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Just as I was putting the finishing touches on my latest article, my cell phone rang. It was my youngest daughter, Ally, so I closed my computer and answered the phone.
“Hey, sweetie, what’s up?”
“Mom, how many hours of sleep do you get?”
“I’m not really sure…never kept track.”
“I mean, I know you work ridiculous hours,” she continued. “Do you do that every night?”
“Not every night,” I said. “I’d say I average between five and six hours a night.”
“That’s what I thought,” she said, “and Mom, you’re not getting enough sleep! I just heard that a Harvard Medical School study found that people over 65 who sleep less than five hours per night are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those who sleep six to eight hours per night.”
I didn’t know whether to feel special because Ally cared so much, or mad because she thought I was already 65! But one thing’s for sure, she was right. I truly wasn’t getting enough sleep—at least not on a regular basis.
Wake-up Call
You might say that was my wake-up call. I realized I had grown used to working crazy hours, and I rarely saw my pillow before midnight. To be clear, I think that’s fine if you’re on a tight deadline, but I had been living my whole adult life “on a tight deadline,” and it was time to do better.
I’ve often joked that I have the worst boss ever. A boss that is way too demanding and very unforgiving. But the joke’s on me—I’m self-employed. I’ve run my own freelance writing business for more than 25 years. However, recently, “my boss” has become less of a tyrant, and I’ve discovered I can accomplish more quality work during normal working hours if I’m getting enough sleep.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (NLT) This verse somehow takes all the pressure off. I plan the best I can, but knowing God is ultimately determining my steps eases my mind. In other words, trusting God to guide my steps, whether I’m on a tight deadline or not, gives me peace and the permission to rest. If you’re a Type-A person, wired like I am, then you may need to give yourself permission to rest, too. Trust God in all things. He’s got you. (Also, take time to mediate on Proverbs 3:5-6.)
When it comes to the exact number of hours I need for getting enough sleep, I’m finding I don’t require a full eight hours, but I aim for at least seven hours every night. You’ll need to figure out how many hours of rest your body needs, and then act accordingly. So how do you know how many hours is enough sleep for you? Well, try not setting your alarm on days when you don’t have to get up at a certain time, and see how long you sleep. Over time, you’ll figure out your body’s rest rhythm.
Keys to Getting Enough Sleep
Now that you know you need more sleep, that doesn’t automatically make it easier to drift off to dreamland. Sleeplessness is a common problem; as many as one in three adults experience problems sleeping. If you’re one of those zombies, don’t despair.
Here are 12 keys to getting enough sleep:
- Reduce stress as much as possible.
- Exercise regularly—but not within three hours of going to bed.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Turn off screens at least an hour before bed.
- Clear your mind at bedtime.
- Try some bedtime relaxation techniques.
- Reduce caffeine intake—especially close to bedtime.
- Take a warm bath.
- Learn to value sleep.
- Maintain a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.
- Establish a nighttime ritual that might include listening to an audible Bible or soft praise music.
- Avoid trying too hard to fall asleep.
Bottom line, you need to allow for some deceleration minutes before bedtime.
Listen to a short segment of an Abide sleep story. Experience how Bible-based audio meditations can help you with getting enough sleep. The bonus is that they can also enhance your relationship with God. This story is based on Psalm 18:17-19.
If you find yourself too stressed to sleep, take a deep breath, and ask God to fill you with His supernatural peace. He will. Sweet dreams.
For more help getting enough sleep, check out the Abide app. Our 400+ Bible-based sleep stories all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ and get better rest. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to all our sleep stories plus much more.
Michelle is a NY Times Best-selling ghostwriter, an inspirational speaker, and the award-winning author of more than 100 books including: The Christmas Devotional, I Love You Bigger Than the Sky, Aging Fabulously, and Love Connects Us All. Learn more at www.michellemedlockadams.com
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