I’ve always been a light sleeper—but motherhood took it to a whole new level. I had my first child at 23, my second at 25, then a third at 33, and my youngest at 40. That’s four beautiful blessings, and nearly three decades of interrupted sleep.

Whether it was nightly feedings, waiting up for teenagers, or listening for the soft cries of a toddler with a bad dream, I was the first one up.  I can wake at the slightest sound of a door closing or creak of the steps when my teens are out.  And while I wouldn’t trade these years for anything, I’m understanding how deeply that chronic sleep disruption can affect my health, energy, and overall well-being.

I remember one night when my oldest son was struggling with croup. As a first-time mom, that cough is quite scary. How could a little guy make such a loud, barking sound?  I sat with him as the shower ran to steam up our small bathroom, keeping him upright in his car seat to help his cough. I sat by his crib, with my hand on his chest to know he was ok, and sooth him back to sleep.   I couldn’t rest—until I turned to prayer. I asked God to watch over my son, and in that moment, I felt peace. I knew I wasn’t alone. That night, his coughing lessened, and I closed my eyes to rest, trusting that he was in loving hands. In the morning, he was truly better and back to our playful one year old. 

That experience reminds me how to view rest; not only a true physical need, but as a spiritual act of surrender when my thoughts or struggles seem overly complicated. Surrender, breathe, close your eyes, and know you’re not alone.

Sleep Matters, More Than We Think

Sleep is not a luxury. It’s a biological necessity, as vital as food and water.  Looking back, I also felt like I didn’t need that much sleep. Even after my kids were no longer toddlers and would sleep peacefully through the night.  I kept running on those 5-6 hours of sleep and thought I was just fine.      

But the signs of lack of sleep started with small things: forgetting a school dress-up/down day or treats (which caused a race back to school), losing focus during PowerPoint presentations in meetings, brain fog, or thinking I just “haven’t had enough coffee yet.”

Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s when your body repairs, your brain processes emotions, and your heart gets a break. I’m much more aware that getting quantity and quality sleep is crucial to overall well-being and shouldn’t be overlooked, even for light sleepers. Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep makes a real difference.

According to American Heart Association, sleep is one of eight essential components of cardiovascular health. Poor sleep is linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and even dementia. It also affects our ability to focus, make decisions, and connect with others.

If you’re struggling with sleep, you’re not alone. Here are some tips:

• Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule
  Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends. This helps reset your internal clock and makes falling asleep easier. Avoid late afternoon or early evening “naps.”
• Create a Wind-Down Routine
  Set an alarm for bedtime, not just to wake up. Spend 30 minutes before bed doing something calming: reading, stretching, or journaling. No screens, no emails. Just quiet time to signal to your brain that it’s time to rest.
• Rethink the Bedroom Environment, Craft your Sleep Haven
  Invest in blackout curtains, a white noise machine, taking a warm shower or bath, and keep your bedroom cool. These small tweaks can make a big difference.
• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
  Both can interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep.
• Move your Body and get Daily Sunlight
  Regular physical activity improves sleep quality, we sleep more soundly after a day of activity than a day of sitting. Try to avoid rigorous exercise workouts too close to bedtime.

Final Thoughts on the Spiritual Side of Sleep

As Christians, we often overlook the spiritual significance of rest. Yet Scripture is filled with reminders that rest is a gift from God: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 

Even God rested on the seventh day. Rest is not weakness; it’s wisdom. It’s a way of honoring the body and spirit God gave us.

As pastors and parishioners, I know you often pour yourselves out for others. But you cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing sleep is not selfish; it’s stewardship. It’s honoring the temple God gave us and preparing ourselves to serve with clarity, compassion, and joy.

So tonight, I invite you to rest, not just physically, but spiritually. Whisper a prayer. Let go of your day’s burdens. And trust that the God who never sleeps is watching over you.

Resources:

Here are some trusted tools and programs to support your well-being:

• Harvard Health’s Guide to Sleep Dimensions – A deep dive into how sleep affects heart and brain health.
• American Heart Association’s Sleep Hub – Tips, videos, and infographics on building better sleep habits.
• University of Kentucky’s Sleep and Longevity PDF – A science-backed overview of how sleep supports long-term health.

• American Heart Association’s Sleep Hub – Tips, videos, and infographics on building better sleep habits.
• Abide App – Christian Sleep Meditations – Scripture-based sleep stories and meditations to help you rest in God’s presence.
• Hallow App – Find God’s Peace in Prayer