A guided meditation offers prompts for attention, while a sleep story invites you to listen to a narrative. Both can be part of a quiet routine. The better choice is the one that feels comfortable and suits what you want right now.
Choose guided meditation when you want prompts
A narrator may invite you to notice a sound, the support beneath you, or natural breathing. Try this format when you want a little structure and a specific point of focus.
Choose a story when you want to follow a scene
A story gives you a setting and a voice to listen to. You do not need to remember the plot or listen all the way through. Try different narrators and subjects to find what you enjoy.
Try both
- Start with a short guided session on one day.
- On another day, listen to a story for a similar period.
- Notice which format you want to return to. Your preference may change.
In Moodscape, find guided sessions under Explore and stories under Sleep Stories.
In Moodscape, open Explore to browse sessions. Availability varies by session, and Premium sessions are identified in the app. Open Moodscape.
Source and care
This guide is for general education. Meditation experiences vary, and you can pause or stop a practice at any time. See the NCCIH overview of meditation and mindfulness for more information about research and safety. Moodscape is not a substitute for professional care.
Explore our guides to guided meditation and sleep stories.