If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling while your brain insists on replaying every embarrassing moment from the last decade, you’re not alone. Insomnia is the unwelcome nighttime companion for millions of people—and that’s exactly where Drew Ackerman, better known as “Scooter,” comes in with his podcast Sleep With Me. It’s a quirky, oddly captivating, and often hilarious sleep podcast designed to distract your racing mind just enough to let you drift off.
In this review, we’re going deep into what makes Sleep With Me stand out in the world of sleep aids. We’ll cover how the podcast works, what listeners can expect, who it’s best for, and whether it really lives up to the hype. Whether you’re already a fan or just hearing about it for the first time, this article will give you the full scoop—no boring summaries here, just a real-deal, honest look at what makes this podcast tick (and yawn).
What Is “Sleep With Me” and Who Is Drew Ackerman?
Drew Ackerman is the creator, host, and sleepy-time storyteller behind Sleep With Me. Since launching the podcast in 2013, he’s built a massive following of loyal listeners who rely on his nightly ramblings to lull them into dreamland. But don’t expect polished bedtime stories or relaxation scripts—Sleep With Me is anything but traditional.
Ackerman plays the character “Scooter,” a soft-spoken guy who goes on meandering, nonsensical tangents for an hour or more. The stories are intentionally designed to be just interesting enough to keep your mind occupied but not so engaging that you stay awake to hear how it ends. It’s a tricky balance, but somehow, he nails it.
And yes, it’s weird—on purpose. The goal is to short-circuit your overthinking brain by giving it something to focus on that doesn’t matter. Think of it as a podcast that actively tries not to be interesting… and somehow succeeds in being captivating enough to knock you out.
Features Breakdown: What You’ll Get from Each Episode
Here’s a breakdown of what most episodes look like:
| Segment | Description |
| Intro (5–10 mins) | Scooter greets listeners, makes announcements, and explains the podcast’s purpose—usually with some funny or offbeat commentary. |
| Sponsor Message (2–5 mins) | Light ads that are presented in Scooter’s signature rambling style, making even promotions feel sleep-friendly. |
| The “Story” (45–60 mins) | The main event. These are dreamlike stories that often reference pop culture, mundane activities, or fictional adventures—intentionally dull, filled with tangents, and soothingly paced. |
| Tone and Style | Warm, slow, goofy, and oddly comforting. The pace is gentle, and the content is nonsensical enough to help distract from anxious thoughts. |
| Episode Length | Most run about an hour or slightly longer, giving plenty of time to fall asleep before the story ends. |
Why People Love “Sleep With Me”: The Pros
Let’s be real—Sleep With Me isn’t your typical podcast. It’s not polished or slick, and that’s exactly what makes it work. Here’s what fans love about it:
It’s Like a Bedtime Story for Grownups
Scooter taps into something we rarely get as adults: the comfort of being gently talked to as we wind down. It’s cozy, calming, and nostalgic in a way that helps shut down the mental noise.
Consistency That Feels Safe
Every episode follows a similar structure and tone, so once you’re familiar with it, it becomes part of your nighttime ritual. That predictability can be a huge source of comfort when sleep feels elusive.
Non-Judgmental Space
Ackerman frequently reminds listeners that there’s no pressure to fall asleep or even to enjoy the episode in a conventional way. Whether you’re listening intently or zoning out completely, you’re doing it right.
A Voice That Grows on You
At first, Scooter’s voice might seem odd—slightly nasal, softly spoken, and full of digressions. But that’s exactly what works. Over time, his voice becomes a cue for your brain to power down.
Creative and Absurd Humor
It’s not laugh-out-loud funny in the traditional sense, but the offbeat humor and randomness can make you smile as you drift off. It feels like listening to a friend mumble nonsense just to help you relax.
Things to Keep in Mind: The Cons
This podcast isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. Here’s what you should know before diving in:
It Might Take Time to “Get It”
The first episode might leave you wondering, “What did I just listen to?” That’s normal. Sleep With Me is an acquired taste. Most long-time fans recommend giving it at least 3–5 episodes to see if it clicks.
It’s Purposefully Boring
If you’re hoping for engaging stories or thrilling content, this isn’t it. The goal is to distract without stimulating, and that can feel frustrating if you’re not in the right headspace.
The Rambling Can Be… A Lot
If you have a low tolerance for tangents or repetition, Scooter’s style might wear thin. The podcast is full of intentionally convoluted storytelling—it’s a feature, not a bug.
Ads (Though Skippable)
While the ads are done in Scooter’s voice and style, they’re still ads. The good news? You can skip ahead to the story if you’re already familiar with the routine.
FAQs
Is Sleep With Me good for people with chronic insomnia?
Many people with insomnia swear by it. The podcast isn’t a cure, but it provides a comforting routine and a gentle distraction that makes it easier to fall asleep naturally.
Do I need to start at episode one?
Nope! You can start anywhere. The episodes aren’t connected, so there’s no storyline to follow. Just pick a title that looks interesting (or boring, honestly) and give it a try.
Is it okay if I never actually fall asleep to it?
Totally fine. Ackerman often says, “I’m here to keep you company whether you’re awake or asleep.” The point is to feel less alone during sleepless nights—not to hit some sleep quota.
What age group is the podcast for?
It’s geared toward adults, mainly because of the subtle humor and cultural references. But there’s no explicit content, so it’s generally family-friendly.
Is there a paid version?
Yes! There’s a premium version called Sleep With Me+ that removes ads and includes exclusive episodes. It’s great if you listen often and want a more streamlined experience.
Can I listen during the day to relax?
Absolutely. Some folks use it during stressful times, while traveling, or even for background noise while working. It’s not just for bedtime.
Conclusion
So, does Sleep With Me live up to the buzz? For many people, absolutely. Drew Ackerman has crafted something truly unique—a podcast that’s as comforting as a warm blanket and as nonsensical as a dream. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s kind of the point. It’s not designed to impress you, it’s designed to gently bore you to sleep. And in a world filled with screens, noise, and mental chaos, that’s a beautiful thing.
If you’re struggling with sleep and traditional methods haven’t worked, give Sleep With Me a shot. Embrace the weirdness, let your brain wander with Scooter, and don’t worry if you miss the ending—because that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.