Christian Living

---

One adult out of 4 suffer from sleeplessness or insomnia, according to a research center in Stanford University. They have great difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. I suppose even "ordinary" folks can suffer from this, at least occasionally. For others, it's a chronic, serious problem that they depend almost entirely on sleeping pills to get the rest they need.

Because we are humans, we need regular sleep to survive. One said that sleep is "tired nature's sweet restorer." If we don't get enough sleep (quantity and quality), our bodies could deteriorate or even die. Yet, the problem of insufficient sleep remains a common one among many people.

There could be many varied reasons why a person is unable to sleep. These may include poor sleeping environment, irregular hours of going to bed due to work, too much worry, depression, or abuse of alcohol. The variations seem to range between psychological and physiological.

However, I see one very simple yet commonly experienced reason for sleeplessness: the mind is too anxious, excited, or fearful. I remember when I was trying to finish a major project before, I could only sleep so few hours. I believe it was because I was operating on too much adrenalin! Naturally, my body eventually got sick. Since then, though my body clock shifted to being a "night" person, I see to it that I get the best protection of having enough sleep each day.

Doctors says there are several things to avoid in order to improve our sleep. One is the effect of certain chemicals in our body. Alcohol, caffeine, large amounts of food, and cigarettes, especially prior to sleep, can make us more tense and aroused. These thus interfere with sleep patterns.

Another to avoid is dwelling on troublesome matters prior to sleep. The mind needs to be "untroubled" and calmed enough to enable the body to relax and sleep. Scripture says, "casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8).

If God is watching over you, your sleep can be truly restful and health-giving. That's certainly one of the best kept secrets of getting a good sleep.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE