Me, in my natural habitat, jealously staring at sleeping Franklin Sleep and I have a complicated relationship. I’ve always struggled to fall asleep, but when depression creeps its way back into my life, I also struggle to stay asleep. My body gets just enough of a recharge to wake up after two hours, ready to stress about even more things that will never happen. I’ve tried every remedy in the books: I’ve taken melatonin and CBD, diffused lavender aromatherapy oil, cut out blue light after 9:00, listened to the Sleep with Me podcast, and even turned to pharmaceuticals. Some nights, though, nothing helps.
On those occasions, I turn to my couch. There’s something low pressure about lying there. Unlike my bed, there’s no inherent guilt associated with hanging out, awake, at 3 AM on my couch. As a freelancer who works from home (and whose main hobby is watching TV), it’s the place I spend most of my time – my literal comfort zone.
While I’m a fan of horror movies, true crime docs and heavy dramas during the daylight hours, I gravitate towards lighter fare at night. As my insomnia has grown more routine, I’ve developed a formula what I watch. My choices are non-fiction, more often than not, and narrated by a soothing voice. The content doesn’t require my eyes to be open, though if they are, they’re treated to relatively beautiful aesthetics. The topic is interesting but does not involve death, destruction, oppression or anything that might bum me out before bed.
In short, I want to recreate the kind of irresistible sleep brought on by films shown by substitute teachers in high school. You know, the kind of nap that you don’t fully intend to take – the one that happens out of pure exhaustion, but also out of comfort, safety and the security of knowing exactly what will happen next. The kind of sleep that leaves spiral notebook lines on the side of your face when you head to your next class.
On those occasions, I turn to my couch. There’s something low pressure about lying there. Unlike my bed, there’s no inherent guilt associated with hanging out, awake, at 3 AM on my couch. As a freelancer who works from home (and whose main hobby is watching TV), it’s the place I spend most of my time – my literal comfort zone.
While I’m a fan of horror movies, true crime docs and heavy dramas during the daylight hours, I gravitate towards lighter fare at night. As my insomnia has grown more routine, I’ve developed a formula what I watch. My choices are non-fiction, more often than not, and narrated by a soothing voice. The content doesn’t require my eyes to be open, though if they are, they’re treated to relatively beautiful aesthetics. The topic is interesting but does not involve death, destruction, oppression or anything that might bum me out before bed.
In short, I want to recreate the kind of irresistible sleep brought on by films shown by substitute teachers in high school. You know, the kind of nap that you don’t fully intend to take – the one that happens out of pure exhaustion, but also out of comfort, safety and the security of knowing exactly what will happen next. The kind of sleep that leaves spiral notebook lines on the side of your face when you head to your next class.
Ken Burns: the real National treasure The crowning glory of this genre of entertainment? Ken Burns’ “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” Full of gorgeous nature photography, stories of great American figures like John Muir, and narrated by Burns’ go-to voiceover actor, Peter Coyote, the series feels tailor-made for my insomnia. While there are mentions of a few tragic deaths scattered throughout the documentary, it’s otherwise the perfect sleep aid. At nearly 12 hours in length, it's also ideal for those suffering from chronic insomnia.
In this series of What Chelsea’s Watching, I’m highlighting more drowsy docs, Youtube channels and non-traditional content (see my piece on Slow TV to get your nap started now!) that has helped me through the dark. I’ve struggled to update this blog for a variety of reasons, chief among them being my ongoing battle with depression. Now that the sun has come out again, allow me to shepherd you through the wee hours of the morning.
"The National Parks: America's Best Idea" is now streaming on Prime Video, Hoopla and Kanopy.
Interest Level: ZZZZ (out of 5)
Though fascinating, the creation of National Parks isn't enough to keep me awake. It is interesting enough, however, to keep anxious thoughts at bay.
In this series of What Chelsea’s Watching, I’m highlighting more drowsy docs, Youtube channels and non-traditional content (see my piece on Slow TV to get your nap started now!) that has helped me through the dark. I’ve struggled to update this blog for a variety of reasons, chief among them being my ongoing battle with depression. Now that the sun has come out again, allow me to shepherd you through the wee hours of the morning.
"The National Parks: America's Best Idea" is now streaming on Prime Video, Hoopla and Kanopy.
Interest Level: ZZZZ (out of 5)
Though fascinating, the creation of National Parks isn't enough to keep me awake. It is interesting enough, however, to keep anxious thoughts at bay.
The Good Reverend Coyote doing the Lord's work in A Walk to Remember Narration: ZZZZZ
Peter Coyote is the OG for a reason. I could listen to him read a phone book. Actually, that would be a great idea for a sleep podcast. Did you know Peter Coyote was big into the 60s counter culture in the Bay Area? He even joined a commune! I mostly know him as the dad from "A Walk to Remember" tho.
Aesthetics: ZZZ
Almost too beautiful to fall asleep to, but in between images of landscapes, you have boring pics of old white men not worth keeping your eyes open for.
Content Warnings:
Mentions of death, the exploitation of workers, and the potential for increased anxiety about the state of our environment (thanks "First Reformed," for ruining both nature and humanity for me). I beat these thoughts back with fantasies of Teddy Roosevelt in the ring with Donald Trump.
Peter Coyote is the OG for a reason. I could listen to him read a phone book. Actually, that would be a great idea for a sleep podcast. Did you know Peter Coyote was big into the 60s counter culture in the Bay Area? He even joined a commune! I mostly know him as the dad from "A Walk to Remember" tho.
Aesthetics: ZZZ
Almost too beautiful to fall asleep to, but in between images of landscapes, you have boring pics of old white men not worth keeping your eyes open for.
Content Warnings:
Mentions of death, the exploitation of workers, and the potential for increased anxiety about the state of our environment (thanks "First Reformed," for ruining both nature and humanity for me). I beat these thoughts back with fantasies of Teddy Roosevelt in the ring with Donald Trump.
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