The Plunge: Sleep
Welcome to The Plunge, your daily dive into Christian Wellness!
Today’s wellness tip focuses on the importance of sleep for our well-being. Quality sleep is foundational to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Let’s explore why sleep matters and how to cultivate better sleep habits.
Sleep is essential for restoring our bodies and minds. It affects every aspect of our health, from physical recovery to emotional resilience and cognitive function. Poor sleep can lead to various issues, including increased stress, weakened immune function, and impaired decision-making.
Psalm 4:8 says, "In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Sleep is a gift from God, providing us with rest and peace. By trusting in God's protection and provision, we can approach sleep with a sense of calm and security.
Research indicates that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. A study published in Sleep Health found that consistent, quality sleep is linked to better physical and mental health outcomes (Hirshkowitz et al., 2015)1.
Practical Steps to Improve Sleep -
Create a Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Establish a Bedtime Routine: Develop a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as reading, praying, or meditating.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure, which can interfere with sleep.
Watch Your Diet: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime.
By prioritizing sleep, you can enhance your overall well-being and wake up each day ready to engage with the world and your faith.
Thank you for reading.
As always, in Christ, engage, adapt, and overcome.
Remy Sharpe
The Plunge is a publication of Remy Sharpe Coaching, dedicated to promoting holistic wellness through a Christian perspective. For more information, visit our website at Remysharpe.com.
Hirshkowitz, M., Whiton, K., Albert, S. M., Alessi, C., Bruni, O., DonCarlos, L., ... & Adams Hillard, P. J. (2015). National Sleep Foundation’s sleep time duration recommendations: methodology and results summary. Sleep Health, 1(1), 40-43.