Are you sleeping enough?

by Samuel Chng

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you are most likely sleep-deprived:

1. Feeling tired or drowsy during daytime
   
2. Being able to fall asleep within 5 minutes of lying down in the evening
3. Often experiencing so-called "microsleeps," (short bursts of sleep in an awake person)
4. Perform poorly on tests such as driving simulators and hand-eye coordination
5. Lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine use, late-night exercise or eating and poorly managed stress also contributes to poor sleep.

Read more to find out what does the Bible say about sleep!

What is sleep and why do we need it?
Physiologically, sleep is a complex process of restoration and renewal of the body and plays a significant role in the processing of experiences and the consolidation of memories.

Two general stages of sleep
There are two general states of sleep: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is associated with dreaming and memory consolidation. There is complete inactivity of the voluntary muscles in the body with exception of the muscles that control eye movements. It comprises of 20% to 25% of adult’s sleep and 40% of infants. 

Non-rapid Eye Movement (NREM) plays a significant role in the restoration of the body, memory consolidation and the activation of growth hormones. Sleep typically occurs in cycles that range from 90 to 120 minutes in length, with 4-5 cycles of NREM followed by REM sleep occurring during each night's sleep. 

The amount of sleep that an individual requires everyday varies greatly. Eight hours or more may be necessary for some people, while others may consider this to be too much sleep.

How to get good sleep?

1. Afternoon naps and caffeine during the day will not really help us and a good night’s sleep seems to be the only right way to get enough sleep.
2. Practicing good sleep hygiene is a good way to ensure restful and restorative sleep.
   
3. Maintenance of a regular bedtime andawakening schedule
   
4. Avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and strenuous exercise prior to bedtime
   
5. Stop worrying about problems or situations you will face during the coming day
   

What does the Bible say about sleep?
The Bible teaches that we should accept sleep as a gift from the Lord. Some people feel guilty about sleeping. They have so much to do and the day seems so short. So, they push themselves to do without sleep in order to accomplish more. Sometimes, they get to the point where they no longer sleep well whenthey sleep.

We should accept sleep as a gift from the Lord.
However, God says, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:2). In other words, God says that you will not accomplish more if you do without adequate sleep. It is a gift from God. Do not over-sleep, however, get enough sleep. Meditate on the Lord and the things of God (as taught in the Bible) as you go to bed. 

David testified, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). The peace of God allows us to sleep. 

How do we get this peace?

Steps to take

1. First, make sure that things are right between you and God. Confess your known sins to God and commit yourself to His service.
   
2. Second, get the word of God in you. That is, read the Bible as you settle down for the evening. (This does not have to be your main Bible reading time.) 
   
3. Third, think of the Lord, meditate on Him and His goodness. Isaiah 26:3 states, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." To stay our minds on God means to have Him in our thoughts; to think of His goodness and greatness.
   

Be Thankful
Consider what He is doing around you and be thankful for His goodness. This gives us perfect peace. And, as we haveseen, this peace allows us to go to sleep.  

 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8) “