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As a bit of an restless sleeper myself, sometimes I like to try settling down with something that helps putt my mind at ease and in a general relaxed state. Now, it can easily be something extremely thought provoking as well (as my example) just as long as its calming. My personal cup of chamomile is:
Mushi-Shi- Now, without getting to much into the numerous facets of eastern philosophy and other various complexities that this show brings about, I'll just say that always seem to be in a more relaxed state after watching an episode or two of this (to the point of dozing off, which ain't good). With a soundtrack of some classical style Japanese music exuding with peaceful nature and animal sounds, in addition to its light water color palate and pretty scenery, this show is bound to gather a few *thoughtful* yawns out of you.

I use to watch couple eps of Kimi ni todoke before bed.

Yami Shibai.

Yep that that should do it, just make sure you watch it in the dark while alone.

Twisted Evil

On a non terrifying note, I often watch Lucky Star when I just want something cute that does not require much thinking.

I suppose next you would say I should watch Lain or Paranoia Agent, eh Mr.Predator? (on a side note, love your new Wamote avatar)

Tamayura would probably do the trick. if nothing else, it would be effective at putting you to sleep should you try to watch several episodes in a row

While I also often choose to doze off to a couple choice episodes of Mushishi (favorites for this purpose are "Tender Horns", "Raindrops and Rainbows", "Pretense of Spring", and "Clothes that Embrace the Mountain"), I think my favorite "bedtime story" anime is the somewhat similar but much sweeter Natsume's Book of Friends. It's touching and gentle, and simple enough that it's easy to fall asleep on without being brainless or shallow. There's a wistful dream-like quality to the art and storytelling, and the pacing is deliberate and relaxed. The episodes including Natsume's human friends are my favorites.

Hehe

I too have a certain predilection for the Raindrops and Rainbows episode. On a different topic, I was also thinking that certain episodes (and all of the music) of Fruba tend to lull me to a "trance".

Flag. That show's so boring I always conk out after a few minutes.

Though to fit your criteria more, Hidamari Sketch always goes down easy.

BesuDesu wrote:

On a different topic, I was also thinking that certain episodes (and all of the music) of Fruba tend to lull me to a "trance".

Heh, actually, while I don't re-watch that anime very often (due mostly to my strong preference for the manga), I was just re-watching the episode where Tohru learns about Yuki's vegetable garden yesterday. Smile

I was having a stressful day and needed something sugary sweet to wind down to, and that series is really great for that. It's like a mug of hot chocolate and a warm hug in anime form.

Their ain't much better then fruits basket to sooth your sweet tooth. I *still* daww over the scenes where Tohru as a Fever. Oh, and yes I've recognized the irony of this thread being worked on at 2:30 in the morning (where I'm from).

With a computer in the bedroom, I always get a little hair of the anime dog before bedtime (that, old reruns or 80's-toons) to relax during the usual preliminaries.
(Used to be the only time I had to watch all those fansubs I'd downloaded, but now that it's all streaming, I'd rather watch Crunchyroll on the living-room set.)

And of all the series, I've found that anything Junichi Sato has the right fairytale quality for a bedtime story. And of those, I've found Kaleido Star comes off more fairytale-ish than Sgt. Frog or Princess Tutu.
The younger audience the better--Card Captor Sakura can be a little too action-packed, but has the same tuck-in quality, and Folktales From Japan is a no-brainer given. Smile

BesuDesu wrote:

Mushi-Shi- Now, without getting to much into the numerous facets of eastern philosophy and other various complexities that this show brings about, I'll just say that always seem to be in a more relaxed state after watching an episode or two of this (to the point of dozing off, which ain't good).

In general, yes - but there are at least two episodes I can think of that are rather disturbing - especially the one about (and don't read this if you haven't completed the series)spoiler[the infant body snatchers that Ginko has to kill].

I would definitely agree with Fruits Basket.

On the opposite note, I made the mistake of watching the conclusion of the Hansel & Gretel arc of Black Lagoon before going to sleep back when it was airing here. Yikes!

To me that would be Spice & Wolf.

It's relaxing, and fun but totally devoid of all the screaming and crazy activity of other shows with a main lead surrounded by females. It really put me to sleep in a good way, because it wasn't boring, just really quiet and soothing. (Apart from a couple of final eps, the rest is a relaxation therapy)

I'm sure Mushi-shi would classify as well, but I haven't gotten around that show yet. Just watched the same episode twice! One about some "evil" letters that invaded a guy's body. It was pretty cool.

Kelly wrote:

On the opposite note, I made the mistake of watching the conclusion of the Hansel & Gretel arc of Black Lagoon before going to sleep back when it was airing here. Yikes!

That arc was funny! But I found the first season of Black Lagoon so boring that it'd definitely help me to get some sleep. For all the wrong reasons, lol.

Aria

Watching this show in bits before bed was exactly how I watched the majority of the three seasons. Relaxing and puts you in a good mood, reveling in the goodness of humanity.

... which marks the fifth Junichi Sato connected show mentioned in the thread (Tamayura, Princess Tutu, Sgt. Frog, Kaleido Star)