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As someone who has spent quite a few nights staring at the ceiling, I know the toll insomnia can take on your spirit. The quiet darkness of night can amplify my anxiety and lead me into spiraling thoughts. I’ve felt the desperation of wanting just a few hours of restful sleep, only to be met with the cruel ticking of the clock. If you are here, it’s probably similar for you. And you may have tried a few sleep aids, like I have. Some work temporarily. Some don’t work at all. After a particularly bad bout of sleepless nights, I watched the sunrise one morning with a question in my mind: could faith help with insomnia?
The Connection Between Sleep and Faith
From the very beginning, God wove the concept of rest into the tapestry of creation. We read in Genesis that on the seventh day, God rested from all His work. This rest was not due to weariness but was a deliberate pause. A holy respite to appreciate the goodness around. In this act, God set a profound example for us to follow, illustrating that rest is not merely a necessity but a sacred gift that we are invited to embrace.
When we struggle with insomnia, it often feels like the gift of rest is slipping through our fingers. Our spirits grow weary, and our bodies ache for the renewal that comes from a deep, peaceful sleep. It’s in these moments of silent desperation that turning to our faith can be a source of immense comfort and support. Scripture reminds us repeatedly of God’s promise to provide rest. In Psalm 4:8, we are gently reassured: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” These words are more than just a comforting thought; they are a divine promise that we are never alone in our struggle for rest.
It’s vital that we remember, faith encourages us to surrender our worries and trust that God holds us even in the darkest hours of the night. This is how faith can help with insomnia. But what active steps can we take to use that faith and finally find the rest we desperately want?
Using Your Faith to Help with Insomnia
Here are five unique ways to actively incorporate your faith into your nighttime routine. Give each one a try and see how they help with your insomnia and bring you the deep, peaceful rest you seek:
1. Go to God Before Bedtime
Spend some time with God before going to sleep. This can be a quiet moment of prayer where you lay down your worries and anxieties at His feet. Or it could be reading scripture or a nighttime devotional like Evenings with Jesus. Whatever form it takes, make sure you are intentionally taking time to connect with God before closing your eyes. Ask for peace and rest, trusting that He will watch over you through the night, and feel the reassurance that you are never alone. This nightly practice can become a cherished routine that strengthens your faith and brings serenity to your soul.
2. Use Christian Meditation
If you’re looking for natural help with your insomnia, try using a Christian meditation app like Abide. Christian meditation can serve as a profound tool to quiet the mind and connect more deeply with God’s presence. With the Abide app, you can choose meditations specifically designed for bedtime. Immerse yourself in soothing reflections that prepare your mind and spirit for restful sleep. You might select a meditation that guides you through the calming words of Psalm 23 or one that gently narrates the creation story, reminding you of the intentional rest God invites us to partake in.
3. Try Faith-Based Relaxation Techniques
Incorporate faith-based mindfulness or relaxation techniques into your nighttime routine. This could include listening to soft worship music, engaging in gentle stretching with meditative prayer, or practicing deep breathing exercises while repeating a comforting scripture or prayer. These practices can help slow down your mind and body, paving the way for a restful night. Once you find a technique that works, try to do it consistently. Pick a time and spot to do it so that when you begin, you are letting your body know it’s time for rest.
4. Create a Nighttime Reflection Routine
Consider creating a nighttime reflection routine to ease your insomnia. Spend a few moments reflecting on your day and focus on any blessings or challenges you encountered. You can do this by journaling, talking with a close friend or family member, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation. Make note of any worries or concerns and offer them up to God through prayer. This can help with insomnia and anxiety by decluttering your mind and allowing you to surrender these thoughts before falling asleep.
Let Abide be your daily companion as you seek help with insomnia. Our Bible-based sleep stories, like the one above, have proven to help people reduce stress and get better sleep. Download the app and start a premium subscription. This will unlock our entire library of content, which includes more than 400 Bible-based sleep stories. Use this link for 25% off.
