Rest: What Your Body Needs

By Heather Ivester

In our fast-paced world, we're all trying to bear the maximum load possible. On the job, at home, and in the community, our time is in constant demand. Add this to the fact that our cell phones and email make us available 24/7, and we may begin to feel ourselves tighten like a coil ready to spring.

Something is missing in our lives, yet we don't know what. Could it be sleep? According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, we're a sleep-deprived generation. At least half of Americans are not catching enough winks every night. We tell ourselves we can do just fine on less than the recommended eight hours. But, skimping on sleep can lead to major health problems.

Recent studies show that hypertension, heart disease, and even obesity have all been linked to a lack of rest. "Our brains are very active during sleep, and research has shown that adequate sleep is important to our overall health, safety, and performance," says Michael Twery, PhD, acting director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research. In the new handbook, "Your Guide to Healthy Sleep," Twery explains, "Like good nutrition and physical activity, adequate sleep is critical for continued good health."

Although it may seem counterproductive to put our to-do lists aside and catch some serious Z's, our bodies were wired by a Creator who also found time to rest. God's Word reminds us, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work" (Genesis 2: 2 NIV). And Jesus reaches out to us even further when He beckons us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV).

Allowing yourself time to rest is not only good for your physical body, it's also good for your soul. When you wake up refreshed from a full night's sleep, you'll be more prepared to begin the day with prayer and a positive attitude. God wants you to be the best you can be. So go ahead—turn out the lights early—and give yourself permission to slumber.

Want to learn how to make the most of your "down time"? Get the booklet, "Your Guide to Healthy Sleep".

Sites Used for Research:

"Not Enough Sleep Linked to Weight Gain"

"NIH Offers New Comprehensive Guide to Healthy Sleep"

"U.S. Racking Up Huge 'Sleep Debt'"

"Is Your Life Running You Ragged?"

"Good Sleep: Can It Still Be Simple?"

"Women and Sleep: Unique Challenges, Unique Solutions"

What Really Counts for Men (Thomas Nelson)