Boring History for Sleep
Velvet
Welcome to Boring History to Sleep — the only show where falling asleep in the middle is not only allowed… it’s encouraged. Each episode takes you on a slow, uneventful stroll through the most yawn-worthy corners of the past: treaties nobody remembers, kings who ruled for three weeks, and revolutions that never really got started. Delivered in the softest, most sleep-inducing voice we could find, this show is like warm milk with a side of ancient trivia. Perfect for insomniacs, history nerds, and anyone who thinks a Roman tax policy discussion sounds like a lullaby.
Lay back, close your eyes
Lay back, close your eyes
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2026 • 4h 29min
How the Great Fire of London Changed a City Forever 🕯️🔥Boring History For Sleep
In September 1666, a small bakery fire ignited a massive blaze that engulfed London for four days. The city's narrow, wooden streets made it a firetrap, and efforts to contain it were hampered by drought and poor planning. Amid the chaos, human stories emerged, showcasing bravery and loss. After the fire, London was rebuilt with new regulations and innovations, transforming urban safety. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the importance of disaster preparedness.
Jan 11, 2026 • 4h 2min
Boring History For Sleep | Britain’s Darkest Summer: The Battle of Britain🕯️
The summer of 1940 saw Britain standing resilient against the Luftwaffe's relentless assault. Outnumbered pilots utilized ingenious radar systems, showcasing the strategic brilliance of Dowding's command. Civilians and airmen alike faced immense pressure, embodying courage and endurance. Notable dogfights and tactical shifts unfolded, with Churchill observing crucial operations firsthand. As the RAF repelled massive raids, the legacy of 'the few' emerged, highlighting the collective resolve that turned the tide in Britain's favor, proving that survival often hinges on unity and tenacity.
Jan 10, 2026 • 4h 48min
Boring History For Sleep | What People Did All Day in 1900 (It Wasn’t Fun) 😬🏠
Discover the gritty realities of life in 1900, where coal smoke and overcrowded tenements intertwined with emerging technology. Learn about the burdens of class displayed through fashion, while children labored in factories and farms. The discussion highlights the stark contrasts between rural isolation and urban pollution. It explores the dangers of medical care, food safety, and the economic struggles faced by many. Amidst hardship, glimpses of hope and community entertainment emerge, foreshadowing the progress to come.
Jan 9, 2026 • 4h 40min
Worst Scandals of Medieval England | 👑💀 Boring History For Sleep
Delve into the shocking scandals of Medieval England, where treachery and betrayal were commonplace. Discover how King John's desperate maneuvers, including the mysterious fate of Arthur of Brittany, led to political turbulence. Explore the dramatic murder of Becket and the intrigue surrounding the lost Princes in the Tower. Unravel Edward II's downfall fueled by his obsession with Piers Gaveston and the chaotic fallout that followed. Each scandal reveals the precariousness of power and the whispers that could topple kingdoms.
Jan 8, 2026 • 5h 4min
Bedlam: When Mental Illness Had No Mercy 😵💫🏥
Dive into the chilling history of Bedlam, the infamous asylum where mental illness was confused with sin. Discover how this institution evolved from a charitable priory to a spectacle for visitors, shaping the treatment of mental health. Explore the harsh realities of patient labor and the moral shifts in therapy practices. Delve into the dark legacy of controversial treatments like lobotomy and electroconvulsive therapy. Uncover the cultural impact of Bedlam, from art to language, and reflect on the lessons learned about care and accountability in mental health.
Jan 7, 2026 • 4h 11min
The Great Flood That Ended the Ice Age
Explore the dramatic end of the Ice Age as melting glaciers flood landscapes, shaping history and inspiring ancient flood myths. Discover submerged lands like Doggerland and Beringia, essential for human migration and adaptation. Dive into the extinction debate around megafauna and the ecological shifts following their disappearance. Learn about the colossal Missoula floods and how these ancient events mirror today's climate challenges. Unearth evidence of human resilience and innovation amid rapid environmental changes.
Jan 6, 2026 • 4h 1min
Boring History For Sleep | Medieval Hygiene: Dirt, Disease & Bad Ideas 🧼⚰️
Discover the curious world of medieval hygiene, where cleanliness was just a matter of not being noticed! Baths were a rarity, with many using perfume instead of soap. Did you know that the Black Death and miasma theories reshaped bathing habits? Learn about linen shifts that absorbed sweat, the quirky scent practices of pomanders, and how class influenced hygiene. Delve into the fascinating contrast of noble and peasant routines, and even explore the creative ways people managed odors in a time of limited resources.
Jan 5, 2026 • 4h 2min
Meth: A Dark History of Science, War & Addiction 🕯️Boring History For Sleep
Discover the dark journey of methamphetamine, from its medicinal origins to its role in wartime strategies. Explore how military experiments turned a laboratory creation into a global crisis, revealing its devastating impact on health and society. Unpack the stories of Pervitin in Germany and Philopon in Japan, and their connections to war. Delve into America's postwar pill culture, the rise of illicit meth production, and the invisible victims of addiction. Learn about policy missteps and innovative approaches that aim to address this ongoing challenge.
Jan 4, 2026 • 3h 54min
Boring History For Sleep | The Dark Truth About Victorian Child-Raising 😳📜
Victorian child-rearing was a harsh reality, where emotional distance and strict discipline were considered effective. Dangerous household items like arsenic wallpaper and lead toys posed constant threats. Punishments were severe, and children faced isolation as nannies enforced obedience. Medical treatments were brutal, often relying on toxic remedies. Food was bland and lacking nutritional value, and children's toys were full of hidden dangers. Despite the risks, cultural norms delayed necessary reforms, leaving a dark legacy on childhood.
Jan 3, 2026 • 3h 56min
Boring History For Sleep | Complete History. The Drug That Built Empires: Tobacco 🚬👑
Explore the fascinating journey of tobacco from its sacred roots to its role in colonial economies. Discover the shamanic practices that once revered it and the harsh realities of plantation life. Uncover the industrial revolution's impact, the evolution of marketing, and the stark differences in cultural perceptions worldwide. The podcast delves into the complex legacy of tobacco, highlighting its environmental toll and growing health concerns. A thought-provoking look into how a simple plant shaped societies and economies through the ages.
