Healing Sleep

In the last year I have noticed several studies published highlighting the importance of a good night's sleep.  All of them seem to confirm the need of the human body for eight hours of slumber in order to maintain health, sustain a positive attitude and protect mental stability.  Nothing really new in this, but certainly something that is not practiced by a great number of people in our society.

I recall a woman I worked with many years ago who claimed that she only needed 3-4 hours of sleep a night.  She would function on that amount for sometime, then would get knocked off her feet by a terrific cold, sore throat, flu or other malady.  After being laid up for several days or a week, she would then go back to the same prior routine.

When I went to college, I made a decision that I would not stay up after 11:00 pm.  Others ridiculed me.  I missed out on some activities, though at this point in my life I am hard pressed to recall even a single one.  Since I was (am) a morning person, I knew that I would function better and be more productive by getting a good night's rest before entering into the next day's schedule.  I always recall my Mother's voice telling me "Go to bed on the same day that you got up!"  This tidbit of wisdom has served me well even up to today.

Why bring this up at this time?  The habits of our youth travel with us into old age.  Sleep is still the best medicine for the body, and is truly a gift for those who have it.  But people will say "I can't stop my mind from thinking about .....", or "I keep worrying about....."  How important it is to be able to place all our concerns and worries in the Lord's hands, and then truly leave them there.  We need the attitude of Pope John XXIII who, when he was going to bed at night, would pray:  "Lord, you take care of your Church.  I'm going to sleep."

The Psalmist also reminds us:  "It is vain for you to rise early, or put off your rest, you that eat hard-earned bread, for (the Lord) gives to his beloved in sleep."  (Psalm 127:2)  If we want God to take care of our problems while we sleep, we have to give them over to him and LET GO.  Then go to sleep.