Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
July 8, 2012

“Sleep Easy…”
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching… when you sleep, they will watch over you…” – Proverbs 6:20, 22 (NIV)

I was noticing the other day walking through the Wal-Mart pharmaceutical section a number of over-the-counter medications that are used as “sleep aids.” I counted at least six OTC brands and that does not count other medications that are touted by pharmaceutical companies as those that are intended to help sleep while fighting different ailments. I will be the first to admit I have used these products a couple of times. Rarely, have I had problems sleeping. On a typical evening from the moment my head hits the pillow until I am out like a light is a matter of minutes. If that. So I often wonder why it is we need so many different medications just to produce sleep.
Insomnia, (the inability) to sleep, appears to be a national problem. People who have insomnia may not be able to fall asleep. They may wake up during the night and not be able to fall back asleep, or they may wake up too early in the morning. One report says 1 out of every 10 to 20 people experience insomnia several nights a month…while 1 out 35 people struggle nightly. In 2009, 18 million prescriptions were written for sleeping pills. That does not count those who purchase over-the-counts meds I mentioned earlier. Insomnia is your body's way of saying that something isn't right. Things that may cause insomnia include stress, too much caffeine, depression, changes in work shifts, family or relationship problems and/or pain from medical problems.
According to the American Medical Association, getting enough sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Insomnia can affect you mentally and physically. It can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable. It can also make it hard for you to concentrate or perform tasks during the day. If you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, you’re at increased risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. I went through all that to get to this…it is easy to diagnose the problem and the cause—finding a solution is another story altogether. In fact, take a look at a few of “solutions” that FamilyDoctor.org provides as the means to help alleviate sleeping problems:
· Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, even if you didn't get enough sleep. This will help train your body to sleep at night.
· Develop a bedtime routine. Do the same thing every night before going to sleep. For example, take a warm bath and then read for 10 minutes every night before going to bed. Soon you'll connect these activities with sleeping, and doing them will help make you sleepy.
· Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark. If you must sleep during the day, hang dark blinds over the windows or wear an eye mask. · If you're still awake after trying to fall asleep for 30 minutes, get up and go to another room. Sit quietly for about 20 minutes before going back to bed. Do this as many times as you need to until you can fall asleep.
None of those are what I would deem bad solutions, but may I add a possible solution that this article seems to have ignored. It is found in the text above which might explain it’s absence, but from my perspective has cured more people than any medication ever has. It is a Clear Conscience. When you look at the “possible” causes for sleeplessness, most of them are not physical in nature. Stress…depression…family/relationship problems are more issues of the mind, and if your mind is clouded and overworked—if you are going to bed at night like this it is little wonder sleep would be hard to come by.,br /> A “Clear-Conscience” on the other hand means you are living by clearly defined Godly principles—your life reflects a heart for God and for the things and ways of God. A clear conscience allows you freedom in relationships—you hold nothing against anyone and you attempt to live your life so that no holds anything against you. Your personal life reflects business practices that are ethical and unquestionable. Talk about a sleep-aid!!
Is it the perfect solution? Probably not! But if you are having difficulties sleeping and you have tried a number of remedies…give Solomon’s prescription a try. It is easier to swallow with no nasty after-effects…in fact, unlike many medications the after-effects are far more pleasant. A peaceful heart and mind.
Pastor J. T. Carnell.