What are the characteristics of good bedtime stories for adults short stories?

A good short bedtime story for adults should also have a certain level of emotional depth. It could be a story that evokes feelings of nostalgia, hope, or even a bit of melancholy. This emotional aspect makes the story more engaging. For example, a story about a man revisiting his childhood home and all the memories that come flooding back. It's not just a simple recounting of events but also an exploration of the emotions tied to those memories, which can be very soothing for an adult before sleep.

One characteristic is relatability. Since adults have a wide range of experiences, a good short bedtime story should touch on themes that they can understand. Such as stories about career challenges, family issues, or personal growth. These stories don't have to be overly complex; a simple narrative that gets to the heart of a common adult experience can be very effective. For instance, a story about an adult learning to deal with the loss of a loved one in a new job environment. It's something that many can relate to and it gives the reader something to think about as they drift off to sleep.