Hello, friends. Have you checked out our new channel on Apple Podcasts? Over the past few years,

Clark and I have worked hard to bring you stories and science content that entertains and

educates while helping your little ones relax and drift off to sleep.

On our new channel, you'll find ad-free episodes, bonus stories, and for the first time,

classic tales, presented just as they were meant to be heard, one chapter at a time.

It's a wonderful way to experience these timeless stories together, helping to make bedtime

a cozy, shared adventure. Look for Sleeptight Media on Apple Podcasts, and let's make bedtime the best part of the day.

Hello, I'm Cheryl, and this is Sleep, Tight, Relax, a calming bedtime podcast for the young and young at heart.

Our sleep story is about a dragonfly nymph who is shedding her skin and getting ready to live above the water.

Everything seems different up there, and she is a little bit lonely.

Until one day, she sees a snapping turtle she knows.

But before we continue with our story, let's start by breathing together.

We can practice our deep breathing anytime or anywhere.

But before bed, let's first turn down the lights, get comfortable,

and make sure that everything feels as it should. We are going to do a series of deep, slow breaths.

When you breathe in, be sure to slowly breathe through your nose,

and when you breathe out, try to push all the air out of your lungs.

Okay. try to push all the air out of your lungs. We often talk about taking belly breaths or filling your belly up like a balloon.

If that helps you visualize the kind of breath to take, then please try.

You can use whatever works for you.

Now, inhale slowly through your nose and count to four in your head,

filling your lungs with more air with each number. Hold your breath,

...