Statistics indicate the average person, who lives roughly 79 years on Earth, spends about 26 of those years sleeping, plus seven more years trying to get to sleep. Sleep boosts the well-being of every aspect of our lives, and lacking sleep can damage our ability to function well. God knew what He was doing when He designed us to need sleep!
In the beginning of time, God ordained deep sleep for Adam (Genesis 2:20-22). As people sleep, God does good things in and for them—like making a wife for Adam! The human need for sleep is a reminder of our limitations and dependence on the Lord. Sleep is humbling, because it shows us our fragility.
As a gift from God, sleep is pleasant and it is sustaining. As people sleep, the sovereign God works to help bodies rest, energize, and heal for greater efficiency during waking hours. Sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle as well as an act of faith in God’s providence and protection. A desire for healthy rest and sleep should characterize God’s children. Also, in the Bible God sometimes spoke to people through dreams and visions.
God is able to grant sleep even in the challenging and tumultuous circumstances of life. Jesus slept in the midst of storm because His trust was in His Father, not the circumstances of life (Matthew 8:23-27). He believed the Father would keep His Anointed One safe.
It’s been said there are more than 100 references to sleep in the Bible, and many more references for rest, slumber, and dreams. Here are three key passages about sleep.
Sleep is good (Jeremiah 31:26; Proverbs 3:24; Psalm 3:5; 4:8; 127:2).
Sleep comes from a God who is good to us (Psalm 116:7).
Sleep and peaceful rest are gifts Jesus desires to give us (Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:27)
Christian behavioral scientist and apologist Jay Medenwaldt wrote, “Sleep can be a spiritual discipline,” because sleep deprivation can create all kinds of side effects and affect performance in alertness, concentration, emotion regulation, health, self-control, our diets, scripture memorization, and many other functions and activities. And though getting enough high quality sleep probably won’t cure all problems, “it might be able to fix some of your issues or play a role in doing so.”
Some bedtime habits can ruin sleep. Brightly-lit screens—technology with blue light screens—can trick the brain into waking up, making it harder to fall asleep. It’s best to keep the computer, phone, and television turned off. Late-night eating and drinking can lead to digestive issues. Alcohol is a stimulant, and caffeine after lunchtime keeps some people awake. Activities that rev up the body—even moderate exercise—make it hard for some people to sleep.
Instead of these things, relaxing activities like reading, listening to quiet music, meditating, or calming pursuits can contribute to sleepiness. It’s also good to know when to just get out of bed for a while, instead of staying in bed and staring at the clock.
Sinful attitudes rob people of sleep as well. Fear is a sleep-killer. When Jesus was asleep in the stern of a boat during a furious storm, the disciples grew fearful and anxious. Jesus addressed this, saying, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:38-40). Mark Ballenger, writing about the truth that helps us sleep, said, “Because Jesus often prayed when everyone else was asleep, this allowed Him to sleep when everyone else was in panic.”
The Bible also says much about the sinful sleep of sloth or laziness. The sluggard loves sleep and sleeps too long. This can lead to hunger and poverty. Slothfulness gets worse over time as the sluggard begins to make excuses for sleeping. Sloth is often associated with gluttony and drunkenness. Lazy people waste time rather than using it effectively. It’s wise to sleep at the right time and in the right amount.
Christians need sleep every night, and proper rest when they are exhausted or stressed. It’s beneficial to make sleep a matter of prayer.
Father God,
I know you understand when thoughts swirl around in my head and sleep will not come. I ask you to calm my troubled spirit as I remember how much You love me. You are my refuge and strength. You are my hope. I cast all my cares into Your hands, knowing they are safe with You and You will work on my behalf. I exchange my anxious thoughts for Your perfect peace. I ask for wisdom for any choices I must make in the morning. What a comfort it is to know that You never sleep. You are constantly ready and willing to hear my prayers and come to my aid. Thank You for the promise of Your presence as I sleep in faith and peace tonight.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen