By John Thurman, M.Div., M.A., LCMHC

Many U.S. Adults Need More Sleep!

For the first time in Gallup polling since 2001, 57% of U.S. adults desire more sleep, while 42% feel they get as much sleep as needed. This number marks a notable shift from the figures recorded in 2013 when 56% of Americans thought they got enough sleep, and 43% did not. These statistics underscore the widespread nature of sleep issues among us, reassuring you that you are not alone in this journey towards better sleep.[i] In this article, Rest Easier: One Way to a Biblical Sleep Solution, I will share some ancient tips that you can begin using to enhance your sleep.

Does the Blue-Green Glow Keep You Up at Night?

On those sleepless nights when the blue-green glow of your smart device seems to mock your elusive slumber, remember this – you are not alone in this nocturnal struggle. Insomnia, that pesky bedfellow, is a shared experience that unites us all, making even the most patient occasionally question our sanity. You are part of a community that understands and empathizes with your struggle, and this shared experience can bring comfort and understanding.

Picture this: you, wide-eyed and weary, engaged in a staring contest with your digital companion, the minutes ticking by like lethargic snails marching in slow motion. The urge to hurl your device out the window may seem irresistible, but there is hope, my sleep-deprived friend.

Embrace the absurdity of it all. Laugh in the face of sleeplessness, for in this battle of wills, humor can be your secret weapon. Picture yourself as a sleep-deprived superhero, bravely fighting the forces of fatigue with sheer determination and a hint of delirium. Humor, in its simplest form, can be a powerful ally in your fight against insomnia. It’s not just a struggle; it’s a chance to show your strength and resilience, and humor is your trusty sidekick, empowering you to face the challenge with a lighter heart.

So, next time you find yourself in the wee hours of the night, locked in mortal combat with your restless mind and racing thoughts, remember that you are a warrior of the night, a champion of the insomniac realm. And though the path to dreamland may seem treacherous, know you are not alone. Together, we shall endure these sleepless nights, armed with laughter and resilience, until the elusive embrace of slumber finally graces us with its presence. But if the battle becomes too overwhelming, remember seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We are doing this together, and professionals are ready to provide you with the support and guidance you need.

So, let’s look at How to Rest Easier: One Way to a Biblical Sleep Solution.

Hope for Insomniacs

Lying awake in the dead of night can make you feel like the last person on Earth. It’s easy to wonder if God is there, watching you toss and turn. Well, he is. Psalm 121:3-4 tells us, “He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.” So, while you’re wide awake, rest assured that God is also watching you.

Understanding Insomnia Through a Spiritual Lens

Insomnia, often seen as a mere lack of sleep, can be a window into more profound aspects of our being—our emotional, mental, and spiritual health. With its timeless wisdom, the Bible offers profound insights that resonate across generations. It reminds us that Rest is a divine gift, essential for our well-being. When our spiritual health is compromised, it can manifest as insomnia. For instance, Psalm 127:2 states, ” It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” This verse suggests that our inability to sleep might be a sign of our spiritual imbalance and that seeking rest is not just a physical but a spiritual need.

Divine Design for Downtime

From the beginning, rest was a crucial part of God’s plan. Even God took a day of rest! Genesis 2:2-3 says, “On the seventh day had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” This passage is a divine promise of rest, a reassurance that if the Creator of the universe needed a break, rest is indeed a part of His plan for us.

Four Practical Steps Packed with Promise

1. Pray with a Little Bit of Humor: Sometimes, the best prayer is honest and messy. When you can’t sleep, talk to God about it. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, ” Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” This verse invites us to be open and honest in our prayers, even about our struggles with sleep. Ask for sleep, and if sleep doesn’t come, ask for peace about the lack of it. In other words, being honest with God about your sleep struggles is okay. He’s there to listen and provide comfort, even if it’s not in the form of immediate sleep.

2. Relaxation Routine: If you think you can run on caffeine and adrenaline forever, even the mightiest will eventually crash. Setting up a relaxing nightly ritual can be transformative. A bath, a good book, even Leviticus if you’re feeling adventurous, or soothing music can help you unwind. Remember, consistency is key.

3. Go Scriptural: There’s nothing like the Psalms to soothe your soul. Grab your Bible and dive into verses that speak peace and comfort. Psalm 4:8, for example, “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, keep me safe.” Keep a favorite passage by your bedside. God’s Word has this beautiful way of calming the spirit.

4. Surrender Your Worries: Jesus had it right in Matthew 11:28, ” Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Easier said than done, right? But seriously, try visualizing dropping your worries at His feet. Picture your troubles being handed over because, quite honestly, He’s much better at handling them.

Creating a Heavenly Haven

Consider transforming your bedroom into a temple of tranquility:

– Keep it Cool: It’s not like wearing sunglasses indoors, but 65 degrees Fahrenheit cool.

– Darkness Reigns: Invest in some quality blackout curtains or perhaps that eye mask you’ve secretly wanted.

– Sound Solitude: A white noise machine or soothing background sounds from apps like Breethe, and Headspace can work wonders. The YouVersion Bible app has a feature called YouVersion Rest that allows listeners to listen to the Bible read while sleeping or meditating. For my liturgical friends, the Hallow app has a Sleep Section.

Trusting the Night Watchman

Insomnia can feel like a never-ending wrestling match with your thoughts. But here’s an anchor: trust in God’s sovereignty. Isaiah 26:3 promises, ” You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

It’s a gentle reminder even in the dead of night, God’s got your back.

Bringing It All Together

Overcoming insomnia with a biblical perspective isn’t just about begging for sleep; it’s about inviting God’s peace into your restless nights. We find rest in His presence by engaging in heartfelt prayer, establishing a calming routine, absorbing His Word, and learning to let go of our anxieties. And let’s face it, if God’s taking care of the universe, He can help you find some Z’s.

So, the next time you’re wide-eyed in the wee hours, remember God loves you, He’s watching over you, and somewhere out there, someone else is probably also wondering why they ate that late-night snack. Rest easy, give it to God, and embrace His peace.

Please share your experiences and coping strategies in the comments, as your story could comfort and inspire others.

If you need help with your sleep issues, I might be able to help. If you have any questions or want a free 10-minute consult, email me at john@covertmercy.com, and we will schedule a call.

I hope this article, Rest Easier: One Way to a Biblical Sleep Solution, helps you get well-deserved rest. I will have a few more sleep-related articles coming out in the next few weeks.

Helpful Links

18 Prayers to Close Your Day

Five Powerful Prayers for Protection and Better Sleep

Four Daily Prayers from John Calvin

A Powerful Prayer for from Wild at Heart

Prayers from Liturgical Resources

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[i] https://news.gallup.com/poll/642704/americans-sleeping-less-stressed.aspx

• All Scripture quotes are from – Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.