Sleeping your way to a better life.

Good day beautiful people

I hope that this blog post meets you well? Today’s discussion will be a continuation/follow up on a new series I’ve started called ‘How to live the best life’, and our topic of focus this week is SLEEP!

Genesis 2:2 ~ On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.

And on the seventh day God rested…Although The Lord does not sleep or slumber, I believe that He rested to show mankind how important rest is (God led by example). WE NEED rest, it’s a time in which we can truly reflect over the goodness of The Lord, as well as enjoy His wonderful blessings (both people and nature). Sleep is essential, and rest is not a crime.

Psalm 121:4 ~ Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

I believe that God knows the true nature of human beings, many individuals work work work none stop for more wealth, yet wealth can never satisfy the human soul. Wealth amassed makes the soul cry out ‘I want more’, whereas the love of God provides one with a source of living which leads to thirsting no more.

Proverbs 27:20 ~ Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.

Ecclesiastes 6:7 ~ All people spend their lives scratching for food, but they never seem to have enough.

John 4:13-14 ~ “Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

^^^ Only a relationship with God can truly satisfy the soul. Contentment cannot be found elsewhere. You can never have enough wealth, status, or relationships in life to make you feel totally complete or content.

Sometimes getting to sleep can be very difficult for various reasons such as insomnia, stress, fear etc. During the pandemic I found it fairly difficult to sleep due to panic attacks which stemmed from witnessing traumatic events on the frontline. But through mediating on holy scripture I was able to overcome night terrors (not in my own strength but in the strength of The Lord). Also if needs be contact your doctor for advice on how to address sleep issues.

Some useful verses

Proverbs 3:24 ~ “You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.”

Psalm 4:8 ~ “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”

Psalm 3:5 ~ “I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.”

1 Peter 5:7 ~ “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

2 Timothy 1:7 ~ “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Biblical benefits of sleep

⁃ You get to relax the mind and sleep on difficult matters so you can make better decisions.

Psalm 4:4 ~ “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude”

⁃ Sweet sleep is a blessing from God.

Psalm 127:2 ~ It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.

Physical benefits

⁃ When we sleep cell renewal takes place (healing takes place).

⁃ The mind is recharged.

⁃ Toxic chemicals are removed.

⁃ Sleep can boost the immune system.

⁃ Sleep can potentially help prevent weight gain (a great way to kick start your weight loss journey without the need of equipment). You can’t snack whilst asleep…

⁃ Sleeping can improve memory.

⁃ Sleep can enhance exercise performance.

⁃ Good sleep can lead to a better mood.

⁃ Adequate amounts of sleep can help lower the risks of developing diabetes.

Now with all the benefits listed above just imagine what sleep deprivation can do…

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/why-lack-of-sleep-is-bad-for-your-health/

What we must realise is that yes a person can survive on 4 hours sleep a day, but they will NOT THRIVE! On average an adult needs between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Don’t be fooled into thinking that there are no repercussions for sleeping the bare minimum, it’ll eventually catch up with you, remember that you’re NOT a machine and you don’t do yourself any favours by robbing your precious body of sleep.

Make it your goal this year to get MORE sleep. Aim to go to bed earlier as this can increase the likelihood of you waking up earlier and also you’re more likely to wake up refreshed rather than stressed. Honestly having 1 extra hour of sleep makes a big difference, I’ve personally noticed that I now wake up before my alarm feeling rested and not groggy! And guess what? Waking up earlier means you can spend more quality time with God, and if you really wanted to, you could squeeze in a quick work out (working out in the early hours of the am is something which I’m yet to do, as having more sleep is a greater priority for me right now as I frequently work late shifts, I prefer to workout in the evenings/afternoons). So it is pretty clear that good sleep leads to better productivity. I hope you could learn something from today’s write up.

Have a wonderful and prosperous week living out your purpose.

God bless

Love from

Christian Lady After God’s Own Heart