Having trouble catching some quality zzz’s? Improve your sleep with gratitude and Scripture.
Restful sleep was always the intention of our thoughtful Creator. From the dawn of history to our current times, we were meant to work, enjoy life to the fullest, and also rest. However, our modern era is quick to idolize work, which creates a stressful environment. The hustle of today’s world can overwhelm our peace and damage our sleep.
Thankfully, there’s a way out of this cycle. It’s as simple as gratitude, reading the Scriptures, and engaging the Lord in prayer.
How Does Gratitude Improve Sleep?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18
Science is catching up to the Bible on the power of thanksgiving. According to Research.com, gratitude “wires and fires new neural connections, enhances dopamine and serotonin – the neurotransmitters responsible for happiness, and reduces fear and anxiety by regulating stress hormones.” Incredibly, the simple act of gratitude is responsible for so much good!
Some easy ways to practice gratitude are by:
- keeping a journal
- saying out loud what you’re thankful for
- reminding others of the good they are doing and thanking them for being kind
Developing a habit of gratitude, especially at the end of the day, can provide rest for your mind and help you sleep better at night.
How Does Scripture Improve Sleep?
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2
The Bible is able to comfort, console, and calm our minds in every season, at any time. Reading scripture reminds us of our identity, enables us to cast our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7), and empowers us to trust in our heavenly Father. When we remind ourselves that we are in God’s loving care, we can be at rest.
New to the Bible? Check out our article: How to Study the Bible for Beginners to learn more about the Word of God!
A Bedtime Routine to Improve Your Sleep
Besides limiting screen time and any other bedtime routines you have developed, try adding the following steps to your daily habits.
Honor the Lord by giving thanks.
Here’s an example of a bedtime prayer that’s focused on thanksgiving. Take time to add anything you are grateful for:
“Thank You, Father, for today! Thank You for waking me up this morning and keeping me safe throughout the day. Thank You for my room, my bed, and my home. Thank You for good food, good friends, and good family. Thank You in advance for giving me a good night’s rest. Thank You for who You are and all You do!”
Read and speak the Bible.
Not sure where to start? Here are some Bible Verses to foster thanksgiving and gratitude as you’re getting ready to sleep:
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever! - 1 Chronicles 16:34
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. - Psalm 103:1-4
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. - Psalm 91:11
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26: 3-4
As a child of God, you can find rest that is restorative and calm. God loves you and wants to lift your burdens so that you can have rest. He wants you to have a relationship with Him that is full of hope and thanksgiving!
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