During the holiday season, do you ever find yourself lying awake, with your mind racing about tomorrow’s events or replaying today’s conversations?
Sleep can feel like a stranger in midlife, especially with the addition of Christmas activities.
The Gift of Rest
Sleep is God's invitation to rest in His care, leaving our worries and concerns with Him to handle while we sleep. He continues the work on our behalf while our bodies heal, renew, and restore. This equips us for another day.
In Matthew 11:29, Jesus encourages us:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
True rest is not just physical; it’s spiritual. It’s saying, “Lord, I trust You with what I can’t control.”
Why Sleep Feels Hard
I know in the past I’ve been guilty of taking on too many burdens during the Christmas season, which has caused me to lose its simple meaning and led to unpleasant responses.
As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, sleep can become restless. Cortisol (the stress hormone) may stay high, keeping us alert when we should be winding down. Late-night screens, caffeine, and mental to-do lists only add to the problem. But take heart, small shifts can make a big difference.
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows:
for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
That task we stay up late struggling to accomplish could be achieved much more quickly and easily the next day if we honour our physical limitations.
Simple Rhythms to Restore Sleep
Here are a few tips for protecting your sleep during December.
- Prayerfully manage your holiday events calendar. How much can you realistically handle? How will it affect the family?
- Plan a wind-down time before bed when all projects cease, and you refocus your mind.
- Dim the lights to mimic sunset and trigger your melatonin production to kick in.
- A warm cup of herbal tea (chamomile, valerian, or lemon balm) before bed can become a nightly ritual of surrender.
- Diffuse or apply calming oils like lavender, frankincense, or cedarwood. Their soothing aromas quiet both the heart and mind.
- Express gratitude. Write down or better yet, tell someone three blessings and thank God for His goodness for what you were able to accomplish that day. Gratitude shifts our focus from anxiety to peace.
- Read verses on sleep and rest. Psalm 4:8: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Allow the words to settle deep into your spirit.
Friend, sleep is not your enemy keeping you from accomplishing your task list; it’s God’s design for the health and ministry of his dwelling place.
Sleep is good stewardship; it’s sacred time. When you rest, you allow God to restore you for tomorrow’s calling.
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