“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, LORD, make me live in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 HCSB
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.”
Proverbs 3:24 HCSB
“How did you sleep?”
The ongoing “correct answer” in our house is “With my eyes closed.” We smile and fist bump at this shared response. Only afterwards can we add other details.
Restorative sleep is important to the health of our bodies and our ability to function well while we’re awake. It’s when we heal and strengthen our systems. It helps us reboot and allows us to rebuild crucial energy for the day ahead.
But a great night’s sleep doesn’t begin when our head hits the bed. The process is ongoing and can be tweaked with gentle changes over time.
We all have ideas on how to sleep better. For me, it started with treating my sleep apnea with a machine that keeps the air flowing into my nose, eliminating snoring.
For others, it may be switching to decaf drinks in the afternoon, or eating less spicy foods in the evenings.
Maybe you need a new mattress, topper, or pillow. A cooler bedroom or blackout curtains can help.
Stress and inconsistent sleeping patterns are often culprits. Though we can’t eliminate these, we can find ways to reduce their frequency and intensity. A bedtime routine can help. Reducing screen time and strenuous activities for an hour before bed allows the body to calm down.
Most importantly, giving our burdens and cares to the Lord allows us to trust Him while we sleep. He is a loving Father Who watches over us and those that we love. And if we awake in the night, we can pray again, “casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you” (I Peter 5:7 HCSB). The Lord never tires of hearing from us.
PRAYERS: Dear Lord, thank You for watching over us always, even as we sleep. Thank You for staying up all night protecting us. Please help us to quiet our hearts and minds so we can rest in Your loving care and awaken refreshed, ready to start again. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Journal: How are you sleeping? What changes could you try to help you sleep even better?