Joe Carter

“Why You Need More Sleep Read: Psalm 4:8 Habit: Rest I lie down and sleep,” said David, “I wake again, because the LORD sustains me” (Ps 3:5). He also said, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:8). As David showed, peaceful sleep is an act of trust and a sign of humility. It shows that we know God is in control and will watch over us when we are at our most vulnerable. Sleep is a spiritual activity and a matter of stewardship (see articles “Sleep as a Spiritual Activity” and “Stewardship for a Good Night’s Sleep”). But sleep is also a spiritual discipline. As D. A. Carson says, Sometimes the godliest thing you can do in the universe is get a good night’s sleep—not pray all night, but sleep. I’m certainly not denying that there might be a place for praying all night; I’m merely insisting that in the normal course of things, spiritual discipline obligates you get the sleep your body needs.4 A number of factors affect the quality of your rest, the most important being how long you sleep. The amount of sleep a person needs varies from individual to individual and changes over the course of their lifetime. But if you’re like most people, chances are you’re not getting the sleep you need for your body to be fully rested. Here is the average number of hours of sleep, based on age, a person needs every day: Six to 13 years of age: nine to 11 hours 14 to 17 years of age: eight to 10 hours 18 to 25 years of age: seven to nine hours 26 to 64 years of age: seven to nine hours 65 and older: seven to eight hours5 The amount of sleep you need is largely due to your genetic makeup—it’s out of your control. Look at your habits and schedule and try to make whatever changes are necessary so you can get the rest your body requires. As David showed, peaceful sleep is an act of trust and a sign of humility. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY: Because our spiritual growth is tied to physical rest, we are obligated to get the sleep we need. For your next reading, go to The Meaning of Life—Explained. Return to Alphabetical List of Articles by Title.”
― Joe Carter, NIV, Lifehacks Bible: Practical Tools for Successful Spiritual Habits