Sleep

Sleep is a cardinal requirement for us as human beings to function optimally. If we are sleep deprived, then many if not all of our bodily functions suffer. We become irritable, we make many errors and in the long run our health gets affected negatively.

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” ~ Irish proverb

In various circles, sleep can easily be associated with laziness. I think this is so if it is overdone. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer said “Sleep is not a waste of time. During sleep, a variety of biological processes take place that restore our bodies and minds.” I think when you look at it critically, there is no human being who can operate without sleep for a continuous period beyond 24 hours without it causing some serious effects to their well-being. 

Sleep is crucial but it is beneficial to ensure that by the time you sleep, your affairs are in order. Ensure that within the 24 hours allotted to you, as it is allotted to everyone, you have attended to all matters you need to. I know this is not easy to do, but it is a worthy habit to develop by all means. There are a number of references in the Scriptures to illustrate this point. In the book of Matthew 25, is written the story of the ten bridesmaids. Five were wise and five were foolish. The five who were foolish did not take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 

At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ But the others replied, ‘we don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 

But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ Although this story was told by Jesus to sensitize his disciples to be prepared for his unknown time of return, I think it also illustrates the importance of leaving your affairs in order before sleeping as did the wise bridesmaids. In Ephesians 4:26 we get this warning “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” So in essence, we should deal with any issues that have caused us to be angry and sort them out before going to bed. This is best. 

Speaking of the sun going down, I recall early last year watching a YouTube Video in which they described the circadian rhythm of sleep. Apparently, this is a system that runs in the background of our brain and body like a built in 24 hour clock. It is attuned to the day and night cycle. It dictates when we should be awake and when we should fall asleep. It is regulated by exposure to daylight and is meant to coincide with the natural patterns of the 24 hour day. This system works best when one has a regular bedtime and wake up time, that is going to bed when it is dark and waking up when it gets bright.  The video describes how the setting of the sun and the evening darkness signals the production of melatonin which is the sleep hormone. Scientists claim that the sleep hormone starts building up in the evening and is highest at 12am. The melatonin levels start increasing roughly 2 to 3 hours after sunset, which is when your body signals it is time to sleep. 

For us to live an inspired harmonious life, we should ensure that we have ample sleep for our bodies to regenerate and get fresh supply of energy to keep going the following day.

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