Mantra for sleep: 5 bedtime mantras for a calm night
Mantras for sleep: the Hanuman bedtime verse Ramaskandam, Shantakaram, Om Shanti and So Hum, with meaning and a simple five-minute bedtime practice.
The traditional mantra for sleep is the bedtime verse Ramaskandam Hanumantam, said lying down before sleep to keep bad dreams away. For a calm mind at night, many people also chant Shantakaram, a gentle prayer to Vishnu, or simply repeat Om Shanti or So Hum slowly with the breath until they drift off. Keep it quiet, slow and unhurried.
At night the aim is not to chant well or chant many times. It is to let the day go. A mantra gives the mind one soft thing to hold instead of a hundred worries.
Five mantras for sleep
Ramaskandam Hanumantam (the bedtime verse)
रामं स्कन्दं हनुमन्तं वैनतेयं वृकोदरं | शयने यः स्मरेन्नित्यम् दुस्स्वप्नं तस्य नश्यति ‖ Ramaskandam Hanumantam, Vainateyam Vrikodaram, Shayane Yah Smaren Nityam, Duswapnam Tasya Nashyati
"Whoever remembers Rama, Skanda, Hanuman, Garuda and Bhima each night at bedtime, their bad dreams fade away." This is the verse people usually mean when they ask for the Hanuman mantra for sleep. It is said once or three times, lying down, for restful sleep and courage against night fears. Listen on Mahakatha.
Shantakaram Bhujagashayanam
शान्ताकारं भुजग शयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशम्। विश्वाधारं गगन सदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम्। Shaantaakaaram Bhujaga Shayanam, Padmanaabham Suresham, Vishvaadhaaram Gagana Sadrsham, Meghavarnam Shubhaangam
"I meditate on Vishnu, whose form is peace, who rests on the serpent, from whose navel the lotus rises, who holds up the universe, vast as the sky, the colour of rain clouds." The image of Vishnu resting peacefully on the cosmic ocean is a natural one for bedtime. It is chanted for peace and release from worry. Listen on Mahakatha.
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Nidrarupena
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Nidrarupena Sansthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
"To the Goddess who lives in every being as sleep, we bow again and again." From the Devi Mahatmyam, which honours sleep itself as a form of the divine. A gentle verse to say once as you lie down, as a way of welcoming rest rather than fighting for it. Listen on Mahakatha.
Om Shanti
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्तिः Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi
"Let there be peace, peace, peace." The simplest of all night mantras. Repeat it softly or silently, letting each "shanti" ride on a slow out-breath. It is chanted for relaxation and inner peace. Listen on Mahakatha.
So Hum
सो हम् So Hum
"I am That." Think "So" as you breathe in and "Hum" as you breathe out. Because it follows your natural breath, it slows breathing down without effort, and many people find they fall asleep partway through. Listen on Mahakatha.
A five-minute bedtime practice
- Put the phone away and dim the lights. This matters more than any mantra.
- Lie on your back with your hands resting on your belly.
- Say Ramaskandam once or three times, softly, or Shantakaram if you prefer.
- Breathe slowly: in for a count of four, out for a count of six. Do this five times.
- Switch to So Hum or Om Shanti in your mind, one repetition per breath. Don't count. If thoughts come, let them pass and return to the sound.
- If you are still awake, that is fine. Keep resting with the mantra. Rest is still rest.
There is no need for a mala at night. Counting can keep the mind busy; let the breath be the count.
Listening as you fall asleep
Many people find it easier to listen than to chant at night. Mahakatha Radio plays calm mantras day and night, free and without ads, so you can leave it on low as you fall asleep. For long, unbroken Om, see Om meditation music.
Mantras support calm and good sleep habits, but they are not a replacement for a doctor or therapist when you need one. If you regularly cannot sleep, or worry keeps you awake night after night, please speak to a doctor. Our page on mantras for anxiety may also help, along with peace mantras.
If someone you love is struggling with illness or sleepless nights, you can offer a prayer for them. It is read aloud on air at 7:00 am or 7:00 pm India time.
Questions people ask
What is the Hanuman mantra for sleep?
The traditional verse is "Ramaskandam Hanumantam Vainateyam Vrikodaram, Shayane Yah Smaren Nityam Duswapnam Tasya Nashyati". It is said at bedtime and is traditionally believed to keep bad dreams away.
Which mantra is best for sleeping?
For a traditional bedtime prayer, Ramaskandam or Shantakaram. For falling asleep itself, a very short mantra like So Hum or Om Shanti, repeated slowly with the breath, works best.
Can I chant a mantra while lying down to sleep?
Yes. Bedtime mantras like Ramaskandam are meant to be said lying down. Chant softly or silently, and it is perfectly fine to fall asleep partway through.
What are some good chants for sleeping?
Om Shanti, So Hum, Om Namah Shivaya and Shantakaram are all gentle choices. Choose slow, soft chanting rather than energetic mantras at night.
How can I fall asleep fast tonight?
Put screens away, dim the lights, and breathe out longer than you breathe in while repeating So Hum. If sleeplessness continues for weeks, please see a doctor.
What is the best meditation for sleep?
A simple breath-based mantra meditation: lie down, breathe slowly, and repeat So Hum or Om Shanti once per breath without counting. See mantras for meditation for more.