Each Saturday this summer, I will be posting a very short article for students, for parents of students of any age, and for anyone who disciples the next generation. There is cultural pressure for the summer season to be a time for students to relax and depart from routine. Yet, not only is it unbiblical and anxiety-producing to be carefree all of the time, but unregimented living is not good for growth, development, and overall health. For example, sleep that becomes erratic during an unstructured summer can disrupt hormones, emotions, and stamina.

The Truth about Sleep

• Having a healthy sleep routine is not being too regimented and is even important for being considerate of your family or roommates.
• Inadequate sleep can lead to other physical consequences such as decreased focus and increased anxiety and depression.
• Excessive sleep can lead to laziness, depression, and disobedience.
• The Creator designed sleep to have patterns and purpose. (Psalm 127; 139:3, Proverbs 10:5, 19:15, 20:13, 24:33; Ecclesiastes 5:12)
• Sleep is a gift to steward, a way to take care of your body, and an occasion to honor His temple, the house of His Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
• Waking up and then getting up is a chance to thank God for sustaining you. (Psalm 3:5)
• God is fully in control of each night’s sleep, each nap, and each restless night. So, if you try and sleep does not come at night, He will specifically meet your needs the next day as you surrender to Him that day’s allotment of sleep and think about His faithfulness. (Psalm 4:8, 17:15; Philippians 4:8, 4:19)
• Summer can be a significant opportunity to learn and practice what healthy sleep can do for your overall well-being and purpose. This includes aiming for the right amount of sleep on a consistent basis (not too little or too much), achieving the right atmosphere (putting phones away, etc.), and having a mature perspective (prioritizing and advocating for your sleep needs while also being thoughtful about the sleep needs of others).

Prayer & Blessing

Diligence is man’s precious possession (Prov. 12:27) and God gives sleep to His beloved. (Psalm 127:2).