STORY LOUNGE: ALES FROM THE OAK TREE
Screen-Free Sleep Solutions for Children 2-8
Play & Oak provides audio-first, screen-free sleep solutions for families. Our curated collections of bedtime stories, soundscapes, and emotional regulation tools help children transition from daily stimulation to restful sleep through predictable auditory routines and soothing narrative techniques.
From Bedtime Battles to Peaceful Sleep
Our audio-first approach solves common bedtime challenges with evidence-based techniques
| Problem | Solution | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Bedtime resistance & stalling | Consistent audio routine | Predictable auditory cues signal sleep time |
| Screen overstimulation before bed | Screen-free audio content | Reduces blue light exposure, engages imagination |
| Emotional dysregulation at day's end | Emotion-processing stories | Identifies feelings, models coping strategies |
| Anxiety about sleep or separation | Soothing narrator presence | Creates a sense of safety & companionship |
Backed by Sleep Science
Every story is designed with specific developmental and psychological principles
Parasympathetic Activation
Gentle narration pace (60-80 words/minute) lowers heart rate and triggers biological relaxation responses.
Predictable Sequencing
Repeated story structures reduce cognitive load and create comforting familiarity for children.
Emotional Vocabulary Building
Stories name and normalize common childhood emotions, helping children identify and process feelings.
Sensory Integration
Layered sound design with subtle nature sounds supports relaxation and sensory integration.
Choose Your Sleep Solution
Start with our free tier or unlock unlimited stories with premium
Dreamland Express
- Rotating Story Selection: 3-5 stories updated monthly
- Basic Soundscapes: 2-3 ambient nature tracks
- Foundational Emotional Regulation Tools
- Stream on any smartphone, tablet, or computer
- No payment information required
The Oak Library
- Unlimited Access: 100+ stories growing weekly
- Offline Functionality: Download for travel or no-internet areas
- Specialized Collections: Medical, school, anxiety, sibling themes
- Length Variations: Quick (2-5 min), Standard (8-15 min), Extended (20-30 min)
- Priority Requests: Member suggestions prioritized
Plan Comparison
See which plan is right for your family
| Feature/Capability | Dreamland Express | The Oak Library |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free forever | $9.99/mo or $89.99/yr |
| Content Volume | 3-5 rotating stories | 100+ stories + weekly additions |
| Content Types | Basic stories + 2 soundscapes | Stories, soundscapes, breathwork, body scans, visualizations |
| Offline Access | ❌ Streaming only | ✅ Full download capability |
| Length Variations | 3-6 mins | Quick (2-5 min), Standard (8-15 min), Extended (20-30 min), Soundscape |
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Play & Oak
Primary Audience: Children ages 2-8 years. Stories are calibrated to:
- Toddlers (2-3): Simple vocabulary, repetitive structures, 5-8 minute duration
- Preschoolers (4-5): Expanding emotional vocabulary, 8-12 minute narratives
- Early Elementary (6-8): More complex plots, character development, 12-20 minute stories
Three mechanisms drive effectiveness:
- Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation: Soothing vocal tones (55-75 decibels, 60-80 words/minute) trigger biological relaxation responses
- Cognitive Distraction from Anxiety: Narrative engagement redirects from sleep worries to story progression
- Conditioned Relaxation Response: Consistent pre-sleep audio creates a Pavlovian association between the audio and sleep onset
Each story integrates at least one evidence-based technique:
- Breathwork: "Dragon breathing," "balloon breaths"
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: "Melting like ice cream" body scans
- Visualization: "Magic blanket of calm," "protective bubble"
- Emotional Naming: Explicit identification of 10+ emotions within narratives
Yes. The Medical Preparation Series includes:
- "Superhero Scan" (body preparation visualization)
- "Brave Space Journey" (creating a safe place)
- "Helper Friends" (personifying medical equipment)
Clinical collaboration with child life specialists ensures therapeutic accuracy.
- Immediate Play: Any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
- Mobile Apps: iOS and Android apps available
- Smart Speakers: Alexa and Google Home compatible
- Car Play: Download for road trips and travel
- School/Institutional: Volume licensing for classrooms and therapy practices
Loved by Families & Experts
Join 1,200+ families using Play & Oak nightly
Sleep Better, Risk-Free
We're so confident Play & Oak will help your family that we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans. Start with our free tier or try premium with our 7-day free trial, cancel anytime.
