One great adult bedtime story could be 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It's a story about a young shepherd's journey to find his personal legend. The beautiful descriptions and inspiring themes can help an adult unwind and think about their own dreams at bedtime. Another one is 'The Little Prince' which, despite being often thought of as a children's book, has deep and thought - provoking messages for adults too. It can make you reflect on love, friendship and the essence of life as you drift off to sleep.
A classic is 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation is both engaging and moral - laden. It can make you feel warm and fuzzy inside as you think about the power of kindness and redemption before going to sleep. Also, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a wonderful choice. The adventure of Bilbo Baggins in a magical world can transport you to a different place, allowing you to forget the day's stresses and relax into sleep.
One of the best adult bedtime stories is 'The Nightingale and the Rose' by Oscar Wilde. Wilde's beautiful prose and the poignant tale of the nightingale's sacrifice for love can be very soothing at bedtime. It's a short story that can be easily digested and still leave you with a sense of wonder. Additionally, 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka can be an interesting choice. Although it's a bit darker, thinking about Gregor Samsa's strange transformation can make you ponder life's absurdities in a way that might be oddly relaxing as you fall asleep.