← Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
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Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios. To listen, ad free, access our entire catalogue of episodes and support the show directly. Check out our premium feed by going to getsleepy.com support now a quick word from our sponsors. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. It's wonderful that we talk about mental health more openly these days. However, for many people, asking for help can still feel difficult and intimidating. In fact, BetterHelp's 2026 State of Stigma report surveyed 2,000Americans and revealed that 85% of Americans believe getting support is wise, yet 74% say society discourages people from doing so. It's therefore glaringly obvious that we still have a lot of work to do to get to ensure everyone knows it's perfectly okay to seek help and try therapy. So maybe we can all encourage those around us that bit more to understand that being open and vulnerable really is a positive thing. BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform and it's a great place to kickstart your therapy journey. Don't let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at betterhelp.com getsleepy that's betterhelp.com getsleepy. Welcome to Get Sleepy where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host Thomas. Thanks so much for joining us at the beginning of a new week here on Get Sleepy. Tonight I'll be narrating for you as we explore the vibrant city of Lagos in Nigeria. A place full of wonder, colour and character. The side of Lagos we'll be visiting tonight, however, is not the hustle and bustle, but rather the softer side of a growing metropolis. You can sit back and relax as a bus carries you through a city that's both dynamic and peaceful. This is part one of a two part miniseries set in this region of the world, both written by Kathleen. Be sure to tune in this Wednesday to hear me read Part two. And don't forget, Get Sleepy is now coming to you five nights a week, Monday to Friday. Not only that, but over the weekend we released our monthly long length Stitch episode. On this occasion it was a compilation of our three visits to the Peacock House. If you're yet to hear that, be sure to check it out. We'll soon be heading back there for a fourth time, so it's a great way to catch up on the mysterious story so far. Now my friends, take a moment to get comfortable, making any adjustments you need to feel completely at ease, Then close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose. Feel your lungs expand fully before you exhale slowly through the mouth, letting go of any tension. Continue to focus on your breathing. Each inhale draws in calm, and each exhale releases stress. If you like, envision a warm, comforting light surrounding you, easing away any remaining tightness in your muscles. The light wraps around you, cocooning you in a sense of safety and relaxation. Allow yourself to drift further into this peaceful state as you continue to take slow, deep breaths. And now that we're ready, let's begin our story. As you pull back the linen curtains, the early morning light filters through, casting a soft, soft, lemony glow across your bed. The sunlight is dappled and moves ever so slightly with the breeze of the early morning. Looking out of your window over the city of Lagos. The sun is just beginning to rise. It casts long shadows and bathes the city in a warm amber hue. The sky transitions from deep blue to delicate shades of pink and orange, and the streets below, still quiet, gradually awaken with the promise of a new day. You take a deep breath, savoring the crisp, fresh air. As the sun climbs higher, you feel a sense of anticipation for the new experiences and adventures that lie ahead. You've decided to make the most of your time in Lagos by rising early today. Your plan is to explore the city by bus, enjoying a leisurely journey through different neighborhoods. So it's time to get ready. With bare feet, you pad towards the kitchen. Opening the fridge, you decide the simpler the better. A cheese and chutney sandwich and a cool bottle of pineapple juice should be just right for what promises to be a very warm day. You prepare a snack for later, then, once you're dressed and ready, you gather your things and slowly make your way towards the bus station. The sun shines overhead like a gentle good morning. You're still feeling sleepy, and the bottle of pineapple juice beckons you. You pause for a moment and raise the drink to your lips. Taking a sip, the first thing you notice is the tartness, awakening your palate with a subtle tang. The freshness of mint mingles delicately with the pineapple, adding an unexpected and invigorating layer of flavor. This blend of fruity sharpness and soothing mint creates a rejuvenating sensation. It's funny how something so simple can make you feel bright and revitalized. You soon reach the bus station in the neighborhood of Ekoi. There is a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. The dorm paints the potholed road with golden hues, seemingly filling the depths with liquid molten Light. There is little to no movement apart from the occasional bicycle whizzing by, and no sounds other than the crow of a rooster. Once you've found your bus stop, you stand and wait patiently. The air feels full of promise. You lean into the quiet, standing still in a place where everything seems to pause. It's as if the world is holding its breath, waiting. Just minutes away, the city is ready to burst into life and noise. You breathe in again. The cool, refreshing air carries the earthy scent of dewkissed grass. Then you catch sight of the bus trundling towards you. With the rattle of metal and a squeaky brake, it slowly comes to a halt. You step onto the bus and there are a few other passengers who seem to be enjoying the tranquility of this morning. The bus driver, with a warm and reassuring smile, welcomes you on board and begins to drive, Guiding the vehicle with a steady hand. You settle into a seat by the window. Soon the soft hum of the bus and the gentle motion lull you into a state of relaxation. The bus rolls around each bend, gliding smoothly down the streets of Ikoi. Your window is open ever so slightly. The morning air is invigorating, brushing against your skin. As the bus moves forward, You gaze out of the window at the elegant old buildings that line the road. Their facades are a charming mix of colonial grace and contemporary updates. Along the streets are tall, graceful trees, their canopies swaying gently in the morning breeze. The rustling of their leaves mingles with the distant chirps of birds perched high in the branches. They seem to look down, giving a play by play commentary. Their songs are delicate and slightly dissonant, blending with the rhythmic hum of the bus as it steadily moves along. The peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood wraps around you, drawing you deeper into a state of calm. You notice your breathing slowing, matching the easy, unhurried pace of the bus. Now you begin to cross over the Lagos lagoon, a quiet passage through what will soon be a busy and buzzing town. A current of blue flows outside the window as your bus makes its way to the Third Mainland Bridge. It's one of the longest bridges in Africa, stretching elegantly over the waters. The city around you is beginning to stir. But there's a serenity in this moment that feels timeless. The water below mirrors the sky, creating a picture perfect scene of calm and beauty. As the bus crosses the bridge, you take in the expansive view to one side. Lagos island sprawls out before you. The skyline is a mixture of old and new, with colonial buildings standing alongside sleek modern skyscrapers. On the other side, the mainland stretches out a patchwork of bustling neighborhoods and tranquil residential areas. It reminds you of an optical illusion, one that only reveals its image when you distance yourself. The view is breathtaking, but it's the stillness of the water below that captures your attention. Gentle ripples whisper of the life hidden beneath the surface. Then a swathe of trees unfurls overhead, their branches intertwining to create a lush green cathedral. The dense foliage forms an intricate leafy mosaic, filtering the sunlight into an ever shifting play of emerald hues and soft shadows. Without people dotting the pavements, this place feels so peaceful, almost untouched. The bus moves steadily onwards, the hum of the engine a soothing backdrop to the scene unfolding outside your window. Small fishing boats glide across the lagoon, their sails catching the morning breeze. The fishermen, with their practiced, unhurried movements, seem to be in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the day. You catch sight of a particular fisherman whose presence captures the essence of the morning. He stands beside a modest wooden boat, its paint chipped and faded from years of exposure to to the elements. A wide brimmed hat shields his eyes from the sun, and his hands move easily as he works on the fishing nets sprawled out before him. The fisherman's movements are slow and deliberate, a silent conversation with the sea, as if his in tune with its every ebb and flow. As the bus continues its journey, the landscape gradually shift. You enter the vibrant neighborhood of Yaba, where the energy of Lagos starts to awaken. Yet even here, in this lively hub of education and culture, a sense of calm lingers in the air. The wide tree lined avenues are bathed in the golden light of the early morning. And the streets are still quiet, save for the occasional giggle or burst of chatter. Only a few students are making their way to class. The bus glides deeper into the heart of the city. The gentle transition from the serene lagoon to the streets of Yaba reflects the unique layered rhythm of Lagos, A city where calm and vibrancy coexist. Your stomach gives a soft rumble, a reminder of the food you've packed for just this moment. You reach into your bag, carefully unwrapping the sandwich. You take a bite, the crunch and softness of the bread and the rich, savory cheese filling you up. Once you feel adequately satiated, you again look out of the window. You're passing by the University of Lagos, where the campus is still cloaked. In the quiet of early morning, the tall trees on the campus grounds offer shade and tranquility. Beneath them, a handful of students walk slowly Some lost in thought, others chatting with friends. As the bus winds its way through Yaba, you catch more glimpses of everyday life. A group of women dressed in colorful traditional attire walk together, their conversation punctuated by laughter. Further on, a young boy holds his mother's hand, gazing wide eyed at the world around him. The city is beginning to wake up. As the bus heads towards Surilere, a well loved residential neighborhood, the pace of life visibly eases. The streets here are lined with modest homes, their facades adorned with blooming gardens that burst with the colors of tropical flowers. The air is filled with the warm, inviting aroma of local life. Street vendors sell freshly fried akara, tiny scoops of mildly flavored bean dough cooked to perfection. There's also the rich, spicy scent of jollof rice from nearby food stalls. Children dart across the streets, their cheerful shouts blending with the rustling of palm fronds and the distant hum of a generator. Elderly men in traditional clothes sit in the shade of porches, engaging in hushed conversations. The scene outside offers a moment of calm and reflection. You wish you had a video camera, but for the time being, your eyes will certainly suffice. The journey through this quarter of town is a reminder of the everyday beauty found in the quiet corners of Lagos, the parts of the city that might not photograph so well. They look far better in person, in all their natural glory. You notice a small park where families are out for a morning walk, their dogs trotting happily beside them. The park is a haven of greenery with winding paths that invite you to explore. Adults sit on benches enjoying the calm, while children chase each other on the grass, their shouts echoing through the trees. The scene is idyllic, a snapshot of the peaceful side of Lagos where life goes on at its own easy going pace. Next, the bus makes its way to Victoria island, one of Lagos more upscale neighbourhoods. As you cross the lagoon once more, the city is bustling with life. But there's still a kind of serenity that hangs in the air. Victoria island reveals itself with shiny modern buildings standing tall against the backdrop of the morning sky. The glass facades of high rises catch the light, glinting like scattered jewels. The streets are lined with well kept gardens and greenery, adding a touch of elegance to the surroundings. And even as the streets get busier, the morning light smooths out to the city's edge. As the bus rolls past the waterfront, the Atlantic Ocean stretches endlessly, its surface reflecting a dazzling array of blues and silvers. The waves crash softly against the shore shore, a soothing sound that echoes in your mind long after You've passed by. You see fishermen preparing their boats for the day, and along the sandy beach, joggers create striking silhouettes against the glittering expanse. Each runner's profile is sharply defined by the sunlight, their dark shapes standing out against the bright, sparkling water. The bus continues through Victoria island, taking you past areas where urban sophistication meets natural beauty. You feel a sense of ease as you take in the sights, the bus's steady motion and surroundings combining to create a deep sense of relaxation. Your journey through Lagos is nearing its end, but not before the bus takes you to Lekki, a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. As the bus enters Lekki, you're greeted by wide open spaces and a sense of calm that is different from the rest of the city. The streets are lined with tall palm trees. Their fronds sway gently in the breeze, creating wide, armed shadows on the road below. The bus travels through quiet residential areas where expansive homes are set back from the road, surrounded by lush gardens. The air here is fresh and clean, carrying the scent of the ocean that's never far away. As you pass by the Lekki Conservation center, you feel a connection to nature that is rare in a bustling city like Lagos. The trees here are ancient and towering, their branches forming a protective canopy over the wildlife below. It's a sanctuary where the natural world is preserved in its purest form. You can just about catch the faint, melodious hum of of distant life beyond the trees, blending with the natural chorus of the birds. As the bus continues on, you feel a deep sense of contentment. The city is fully awake now, buzzing with energy and life. But you carry with you the calmness of the morning. The sun is high in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the city, and in your heart, you feel the peace of the journey you've just taken. You reflect on the neighbourhoods you've visited, each with its own unique charm and character. From the tranquil streets of Ekoi to the parks of Surulere, and from the elegance of Victoria island to the natural beauty of Lekki, you've experienced a side of Lagos that's often hidden beneath the surface. It's a city of contrasts, where the hustle and bustle of urban life coexists with pockets of serenity and calm. The gentle sway of the bus combined with the hum of the engine, starts to lull you into a deeper sense of relaxation. Your eyes grow heavy, the scenes outside the window becoming soft blurs of color. Before you realize it, you've drifted into a light, restful sleep. Sa. Sa. Sam.