Are You Sleeping Well?

Are you tired of all the ads about substances, with their side effects, that are aired on television to maintain optimum health? I sure am. Having quality sleep every night is a large part of staying healthy, but many people struggle with sleeping well. Commercials on television promote sleeping pills or other sleeping aids for quality sleep. One person advertises his pillows and sheets. The problem with these commercials is that they come across like their particular product is the answer. What we do not hear talked about are all the factors involved in quality sleep, without man-made products. Even the Bible talks about sleep. More on that later. The question is to what point have human remedies become a substitute for doing things that naturally provide for quality sleep?

Here are 6 things that are mentioned by many health professionals that contribute to getting a good night’s sleep:

1. Get on a sleep schedule. Go to bed at about the same time every night.
2. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar several hours before bedtime.
3. The bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool.
4. Stay away from “white noise”-television and the internet- before going to bed.
5. Avoid overhead light if you wake up at night to go to the bathroom.
6. Some foods that help sleep are milk, chicken, turkey, and pumpkin seeds, because they contain chemicals that produce melatonin, a hormone that produces sleep.

I read by someone that if you are having trouble sleeping get up and read a boring book- it will put you to sleep. From my own experience as a musician, if I can’t sleep at night, I sometimes put on light classical or worship music. Just a suggestion.

Interestingly, the Bible also has something to say about sleep. If you are fearful at night, Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 3:5 states, “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” 

If you are worried about something, before you go to sleep, read Philippians 4:6-7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Another verse to read would be First Peter 5:7, which says to “cast all your care upon God because he cares for you.”

Not only will you find physical rest in these above verses, but Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…you will find rest for your souls,” from the daily rut of life, the overwork, and the stress.

Most importantly, Ephesians 4:26 says, “do not let the sun go down on your anger.” In other words, don’t go to bed angry. Secular people agree with this.

“Don’t Go to Bed Angry:” The Pros and Cons of This Practice (verywellmind.com)