But sometimes we don’t sleep well, because we have too much going on in our lives, and we constantly thinking about those things, never rest our minds: jobs, husband’s jobs, children’s health, finances etc. I’m not saying you and I worry – though sometimes we probably do – but not be able to turn it off for a long period of time can be detrimental to our sleep. I would like to share some tips with you and some verses from God’s Word that might help you turn it off and rest peacefully.
1. God works the nightshift so you don’t have to.“Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.” Psalm 121:4
2. You may not know what the future holds, but you do know who holds the future! If you have a relationship with Jesus, you trusted Him for salvation, than you know who holds your future. He is Sovereign over everything in your life and He has a plan. Trust Him!“He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Dan 2:22
3. God’s got the whole world in His hand, surely He’s got your whole world in His hand as well.“I will both lie down andsleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8
Now here are some practical ideas to help optimize your sleep from Dr. Mercola:
- Sleep in complete darkness, or as close to it as possible.
- Keep the temperature in your bedroom no higher than 70 degrees F.
- Move alarm clocks and other electrical devices away from your bed
- Avoid using loud alarm clocks
- Reserve your bed for sleeping.
- Get to bed as early as possible.
- Don't change your bedtime.
- Establish a bedtime routine
- Don't drink any fluids within 2 hours of going to bed.
- Go to the bathroom right before bed.
- Eat a high-protein snack several hours before bed.
- Also eat a small piece of fruit.
- Avoid before-bed snacks, particularly grains and sugars.
- Take a hot bath, shower or sauna before bed.
- Wear socks to bed.
- Wear an eye mask to block out light.
- Put your work away at least one hour before bed (preferably two hours or more).
- No TV right before bed.
- Listen to relaxation CDs.
- Read God’s Word or something uplifting.
- Journaling
- If All Else Fails - Increase your melatonin. Ideally it is best to increase levels naturally with exposure to bright sunlight in the daytime (along with full spectrum fluorescent bulbs in the winter) and absolute complete darkness at night.
Krisztina White