When Counting Sheep Isn't Enough
Article by Lauri McNair, MS
"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety".--Psalm 4:8(NIV)
"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones."-- Psalm 127:2 (NLT)
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you".--I Peter 5:7 (NLT)
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Primary insomnia is insufficient sleep not related to a health condition, medication, or alcohol use (Secondary insomnia). Primary insomnia can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleepiness during the day, poor work/school performance, anxiety, lack of energy, and depression. The Institute of Medicine reports that an estimated 50-70 million adults suffer from insomnia. Insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic according to the Center for Disease Control.
Adequate sleep is needful and important to overall health and well-being. Quality sleep puts our bodies in proper balance. Sleep helps regulate hormones, supports healthy growth and development, and supports the immune system.
The Bible has much to say about sleep, and Psalm 127:2 tells us that God gives us rest. He knows what our bodies require to function properly and to stay healthy. God is also aware of the challenging, demanding, and stressful lives that we lead and how these realities can impede our ability to have a good night's sleep.
Overcoming Insomnia
Consider the following strategies to promote healthy sleep:
"Unpack your day": Journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings. Be specific and detailed.
Our minds are quite busy and active during day. We take in a lot on any given day. We are sensory people; we feel, see, hear, and experience our day. Sometimes, it is challenging to quiet our minds after a full day. Just as you unpack you child's schoolbag or lunch sack, mentally unpack the day's events.
Pray. Tell God about your day. Give him all your cares and worries. Receive his peace and rest.
Read/Meditate on the Scriptures. God's word promotes peace and rest. My Pastor suggests reading the Book of Psalms.
Shut down all technology--computers, tablets, cell phones. These items stimulate the brain, making it difficult to settle down for a good night's sleep.
Make your bedroom comfortable and conducive for sleep.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine products, and alcohol.
Prayer for Overcoming Insomnia
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that you desire that I sleep well. I give all my worries and cares to you now. I receive the peaceful night sleep that you desire I have. Quiet my mind I pray. I thank you for doing it now. Amen.
"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety".--Psalm 4:8(NIV)
"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones."-- Psalm 127:2 (NLT)
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you".--I Peter 5:7 (NLT)
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Primary insomnia is insufficient sleep not related to a health condition, medication, or alcohol use (Secondary insomnia). Primary insomnia can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleepiness during the day, poor work/school performance, anxiety, lack of energy, and depression. The Institute of Medicine reports that an estimated 50-70 million adults suffer from insomnia. Insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic according to the Center for Disease Control.
Adequate sleep is needful and important to overall health and well-being. Quality sleep puts our bodies in proper balance. Sleep helps regulate hormones, supports healthy growth and development, and supports the immune system.
The Bible has much to say about sleep, and Psalm 127:2 tells us that God gives us rest. He knows what our bodies require to function properly and to stay healthy. God is also aware of the challenging, demanding, and stressful lives that we lead and how these realities can impede our ability to have a good night's sleep.
Overcoming Insomnia
Consider the following strategies to promote healthy sleep:
"Unpack your day": Journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings. Be specific and detailed.
Our minds are quite busy and active during day. We take in a lot on any given day. We are sensory people; we feel, see, hear, and experience our day. Sometimes, it is challenging to quiet our minds after a full day. Just as you unpack you child's schoolbag or lunch sack, mentally unpack the day's events.
Pray. Tell God about your day. Give him all your cares and worries. Receive his peace and rest.
Read/Meditate on the Scriptures. God's word promotes peace and rest. My Pastor suggests reading the Book of Psalms.
Shut down all technology--computers, tablets, cell phones. These items stimulate the brain, making it difficult to settle down for a good night's sleep.
Make your bedroom comfortable and conducive for sleep.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine products, and alcohol.
Prayer for Overcoming Insomnia
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that you desire that I sleep well. I give all my worries and cares to you now. I receive the peaceful night sleep that you desire I have. Quiet my mind I pray. I thank you for doing it now. Amen.
