Needing Sleep?

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

25 Sep 2006 12:17 AM

To all you night owls out there and to those of you who just need some good sleep, this message is for you! I am a complete night owl. I could not go to bed until 2 a.m., sleep in to 11 a.m., wake up and feel great. Unfortunately for me, my family needs the structure of a "normal" day, waking at 7:30 a.m. This means I have to hit the sack no later than midnight to function the next day. I suppose I could just take a sleep aid before going to bed, but there are other things I've learned to help me sleep better.

At night before sleeping, I often lie awake going down my mental checklist for the next day. If there is something troubling me, I can be awake a long time trying to resolve the issue in my mind. This is also common with people who have anxiety. But this really isn't what God wants for us. God wants us to have sleep. We are told in Psalm 127:2 that we shouldn't rise early then stay up late in sorrow, but rather God gives His children sleep.

David acknowledges to God in Psalm 4:8, "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."

One thing I've found very helpful in getting to sleep is prayer. I ask God to reveal what needs to change in me, and then repent of the things I've done wrong that come to mind. I also make it a point to pray for others. Anyone that comes to mind, I pray for. I lie in bed still, praying until I'm too tired and fall asleep.

Another thing I did to help myself feel better physically, mentally and emotionally, was getting involved in our local gym. Not only did I feel more accomplished because I was becoming more fit, but I started to feel good about myself in other ways. I was more relaxed after a workout and my stress levels were down. I found sleep came to me more quickly too! In Ecclesiastes 5:12, we are assured that, "The sleep of a laboring man is sweet,"

Hope your dreams are sweet tonight.

Please visit this related blog:

Is Your Sleep Sweet?

All scripture references quoted are from the NKJV.

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Jody Moreen (3274) 25 Sep 2006 04:51 AM

Wonderful entry Melissa! I too am a night owl and have struggled with insomnia. I have also tried some of the things you mention with success. I also listen to Christian radio on nights when sleep does not come quickly- the soothing music, bible verses and promises from God's Word soon comfort me and lull me to sleep in peace -thanks for the scripture references- I had never read those! Jody

Grammi58 (396) 26 Sep 2006 07:01 AM

I just pray that I could have 1 good night sleep without waking up. That is all I ask for. I wake up an average of every 2 hours. Now with a new dog in the house(even though we've had him for almost 1 1/2 yrs), he tends to wake me up every couple of hours to want on the bed. He knows how to jump up on my husband's side, but not on my side. So he scratches the side of bed or barks until I reach over the side & picks him up. Any suggestions?