Sleep soundly … but not too soundly

In the last couple of articles, we have been looking at the subject of sleep from a Biblical perspective. As previously stated, after several months of not sleeping well myself, I spent a few weeks reading and researching what God’s Word has to say about this all-important subject. You might be surprised to learn just how often sleep is mentioned on the pages of Scripture! In my studies, I also came across a small, yet insightful paperback titled “And So to Bed” by Adrian Reynolds, which helped me consider sleep from a theological perspective. I am grateful for his work and research on the subject. 

What has been interesting is the various responses I have received as I have spoken and written about this topic. I taught about sleep at our mid-week Bible study at church and have now written a couple articles about sleep. Perhaps the most fascinating part of this study has been the feedback I have received. It turns out some people are quite private about their sleep patterns and/or defensive of why they don’t sleep well at night. On the other hand, others have been pretty sensitive about why they sleep so much. Still, others have found the study interesting because they’d never really given the issue much thought. Don’t get me wrong, no one has really said anything negative, but the topic has provoked a reaction – which is a good thing. When you consider about 1/3rd of our lives will be spent asleep, this is not an inconsequential matter whatsoever. God has designed our bodies to need sleep, and frankly – doing what we can to sleep well is part of being a good steward of our body, mind, and soul. So, if addressing this subject forces us to think about how we treat ourselves, then it is indeed profitable. 

Let me say again: life happens … and not every night is eight hours of sweet, uninterrupted sleep. I understand that, but more importantly – so does God. From birth to the grave, countless possible scenarios rob us of needed shuteye. Newborn babies, sick children, and wayward teens keep parents awake countless nights. Elderly folks with dementia, especially if it’s combined with Sundowner’s Syndrome, are awake all hours of the night, and so are those trying to take care of them. Many people work the third shift, also known as the graveyard shift, some of them in first-responder jobs, and there is no way these dedicated individuals are getting enough sleep. Many and varied are the interruptions of life that keep us from resting well. 

My aim in these articles is not to lather anyone with guilt because they are sleeping too little or too much. Folks, life happens … and regardless of how desperately we may want to rest, sleep sometimes eludes us. This is a fact. Having said that, my desire is not to try and shame you into getting into or out of bed earlier, but to make us all think about what sleep teaches us. 

One of the foremost lessons we can learn from sleep is that we are mortal, finite creatures who need rest. None of us are divine beings who can function well apart from sleep. Or, said another way, sleep reminds us that we are not God. The Almighty neither sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4). But we are not Him. We need to sleep. Our bodies need to shut down, lie dormant and reset. Regardless of what you might think, you are not some physical or mental supernatural anomaly that can function just fine with little or no sleep. I know some folks don’t like hearing that, as they seem to celebrate the idea they can survive just fine on 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night. And while it is true that everyone is different, none of us are extra special, godlike heroes who can go night after night on a few hours of sleep. Sure, there are seasons of life when a few hours is often the best we can manage, and we are thankful for them, but that should not be the norm. A lack of solid sleep has long-term effects on both your body and mind. Heart and circulatory problems, a weakened immune system, anxiety, and depression are only a few problems that are directly connected to sleep deprivation. If you’re one of those people who just insist you don’t need to sleep like everyone else, you should probably figure out what makes you think you are superhuman when you’re not.  

On the other extreme are those who can’t seem to crawl out of bed regardless of how long they’ve been lying there. The book of Proverbs offers numerous warnings to the sloth who “loves sleep” so much they can’t be relied on as responsible adults or productive members of society. If your favorite button is the snooze button, and you are notoriously late or unreliable because you want to stay up all night and sleep all day – you are not being a good steward of your body, let alone a mature adult. Further yet, if you are a confessing Christian, you are not being a good witness to godly behavior. I am convinced that one of the main reasons some folks can’t get up in the morning is that they want to stay up all night. When our sleep choices negatively affect our ability to meet our obligations, it is time to grow up, get up and meet your God-given responsibilities. 

Perhaps reading this has gotten under your skin a little, and now you better understand why I said the most interesting part of this study has been the responses I’ve received. Nothing I have said is unreasonable or unbiblical. Sleeping too much is a problem, but so is sleeping too little – when it can be avoided. But these behaviors are not always physical problems or unavoidable life situations. Often, our sleep choices reflect spiritual problems that are rooted in sin and carelessness. And only you and God know which. 

I don’t know how much sleep you need, but I know this – a well-rested citizen is far more suited to serve the Lord and others well. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” And that includes sleep. So, let me encourage you to do what you can to sleep soundly … and remember, rest is a good gift from God to be used and not abused.