The Best Holiday Songs for a Deep Sleep

A new study has algorithmically revealed the top Christmas songs most likely to help you fall asleep, featuring artists such as Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Kelly Clarkson. It is designed to maintain a slow, relaxing, acoustic melody to lull listeners into a peaceful sleep.  

The research, conducted by bedroom furnishings experts Bed Kingdom, analysed the key song characteristics of more than 300 tracks from Spotify ‘sleep’ playlists. These criteria were applied in an advanced song search, pinpointing the top Christmas songs most closely aligned with specific metrics, including beats per minute (BPM), danceability, happiness, liveness and acousticness.  

Following an analysis of Spotify playlists, researchers identified key trends in featured tracks, characterised by an average BPM of 94, low danceability, low happiness, low liveness and high acousticness.  

Consequently, the closest-matching songs include classic artists like Frank Sinatra, Doris Day and Nat King Cole, festive icons including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli and Michael Bublé, as well as modern artists like Ellie Goulding, Mother’s Daughter and Kelly Clarkson. Despite the diverse array of artists, all the listed songs share similar audio features known for inducing a deep sleep. 

Top Ten Christmas Songs for Sleep

1. The Secret of Christmas by Mother’s Daughter, Beck Pete, Ryan James Tillema 
2. White Christmas by Michael Bolton
3. Silent Night by Michael Bublé 
4. Angels We Have Heard On High by Andrea Bocelli
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas (If Only in My Dreams) by Frank Sinatra
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Kelly Clarkson
7. O Holy Night by Ellie Goulding
8. Christmas Present by Doris Day
9. A Cradle in Bethlehem by Nat King Cole
10. Christmas Time Is In the Air Again by Mariah Carey

Speaking on the findings, an expert from Bed Kingdom says, “Ensuring a restful night's sleep during the festive season is of utmost importance. A carefully curated sleep playlist should help listeners unwind and recharge, with discernible features like a reduced tempo, quiet dynamics, and simple rhythm patterns. So, this research offers valuable insights into how we can enhance sleep quality this Christmas, with the solution found in the soothing voices of Sinatra and Bublé.”  

“These Christmas tracks provide an opportunity to alleviate holiday stresses and rejuvenate mindsets, creating a unique festive experience for bedtime relaxation.”