Thoughts on Rest

Hello blogging friends! I have missed you. Had a wonderful time in China and am trying to settle back into my regular routine. I am not one who usually struggles too much with getting enough rest but having to face jet-lag during our trip and now especially since we have been back it has been a hot topic on my mind. Wowie... what a struggle.

It has me thinking about the importance of getting enough rest for the purpose of greater health and wellness. One dictionary definition of sleep is "the unconscious state or condition regularly assumed by man and animals during which the activity of the nervous system is almost entirely suspended and the recuperation of the body takes place." Have you ever thought about what happens in your body while you rest? The food you eat is transformed into tissues as you sleep, your body rids itself of poisons, cells are repaired and the blood structure is changed. Certain things happen in your body that can only happen during sleep. We cannot underestimate the power of a good nights rest and the problems we encounter when sleep is deprived.

Being sleep deprived myself in the last couple days I am feeling the effects. As you might guess... I feel more irritable, head achy, dizzy, and even kinda twitchy. Not sure what that is, but it's no fun. Many have advised me to consider taking melatonin before bed if I continue to lay awake at night. I am happy to say that last night was much better. Woke up a few times but nothing compared to the 2 nights before that.

I have been re-reading a great chapter on rest in Stormie Omartian's Book "Greater Health God's Way." At one point she shares that wartime tortures included keeping victims awake to the point of insanity or near death, for then they can be progammed to do anything. I believe it. Sleep is necessary for survival just as much as air, food and water. Would you believe that you could die if you were to go without sleep for more than 10 days. It's true.

If you struggle with getting enough sleep at night you might consider the following sleep stealers... (from Stormie's book)

One of the main causes for insomnia is eating toxin-forming foods... you know those processed convenient packaged foods. Toxins irritate the nerves and can keep you awake at night.
Worry, fear, and mental anxiety will also keep you lying awake at night. Does your mind race at night? It might be time to ask yourself if you are repressing problems/issues and take steps to deal with them instead.
How's your physical activity? Working out physcially will produce deeper sleep at night and give you a chance to recuperate.
You might also take steps to ensure deeper sleep by...
Going to bed early.
Take mini breaks during the day.
Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
Eat healthy food, never processed packaged foods.
Take a warm bath to wind down.
Drink herb teas like chamomile... no stimulants.
Fill your mind with Scripture that soothes your mind before you fall asleep and ask God to make these Scriptures true for you...

Here are a few...

"My soul finds rest in God alone." Psalm 62:1
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
"There remains a day of rest for the people of God." Hebrews 4:9
"My people will live in peaceful dwellings, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." Isaiah 32:18
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for He gives His beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
"For we who have believed do enter that rest." Hebrews 4:3

Isn't sleep such a gift from God? I am sure thanking him for it!!! Hope you too are getting enough of it.

~Donna