Would you believe that sleep is as important as breathing, drinking water, and eating food? A lack of sleep has been linked to over 70 mental health challenges, including depression, ADHD, anxiety and narcolepsy. However, healthy sleep restores the body, improves memory, aids learning, and helps in losing weight.

Can you sleep like a baby? In Matthew 8:23-27 we find Jesus getting into a boat with his disciples. He immediately falls asleep – even though a massive storm is raging.

How many times have you tried to fall asleep, but you get distracted or your brain will not “switch off”? The best sleep happens when we get out of our heads and cast all our concerns “on Him because he cares for” us (1 Peter 5:7).

Some practical tips for good sleep are: Establish a rigid sleep routine (average 8 hours). Avoid stimulants (like caffeine) 16 hours before sleeping. Don’t eat solid food 3 hours before bedtime. Use your bedroom only for sleeping (get rid of even the slightest light, including electronics). Exercise in the day. And just before falling asleep focus on scriptures like David sleeping while protecting sheep from lions, bears, and wolves. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

Friend, as God’s prepared people we can sleep, even when the waves are “swamping our boat” because we believe Jesus when He said: John 14:1 (ESV) — 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:27 (ESV) — 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.