In the news recently was a study about the impact of a good night’s sleep on family relationships.
Less sleep = More conflict
The study found that a loving couple’s ability to manage or avoid conflict was greatly hindered after a poor night’s sleep.
(Trying not to roll my eyes that this topic required study and government funding. The research scientists could have just asked their mom.)
And yet…the study is a good reminder of the importance of regular, good old fashioned sleep.
While doing research on a book, I interviewed my friend’s son, Jeff, about his recent brain surgery for a tumor. For the brain to heal from the surgery, Jeff said, it required no stimulation. A darkened room, an absence of noise.
If those are the requirements for the brain to repair itself after an injury, think of how important regular uninterrupted sleep is, especially for the brains of growing children and teens!
I worry about those who are in the habit of sleeping with their cell phones, alerting them to text messages or e-mails throughout the night. Constantly rousing the brain from rest. What do you think the long term effects of that could be on a young brain? Scary!
A good night’s sleep is a sweet gift from God to our health, our well-being, and our relationships. And as the study proves, it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
“For God gives rest to His loved ones” (Psalm 127:2, nlt).
What about you? How many hours a night do you average? How is your “crankiness” factor? Your health?
[Tweet “Less sleep = more conflict. How is your crankiness factor? “]
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I’m so glad u shared this!!! I have many health problems, usually causing me to only get between 3-4 hours of sleep a night:( yes, it does cause you to be cranky, when you have your children tell you that you have changed, that hurts! Longing for the simpler times, and that bed looks so inviting! Because of this post , which I do believe God was sending me a message, I am going to pray hard, and do my best to get more sleep! Please keep me in your prayers everyone! Thank You!
Shelly–Will definitely add you to my prayers. Sleep (even rest) is precious–there are so many Bible verses that remind us God has given it to us as a gift. Keep me posted, Shelly! Praying for your 3-4 hours to stretch to 5-6 soon.
Warmly, Suzanne
Sometimes I feel like I hop into bed so I can hurry and get up and start the next day. Our semi-new mattress is awful and I wake up with a backache throughout the night. I love this reminder how important sleep is and it’s OK to put life on hold, relax, regroup and be better for it. My son works a night shift a few nights on, then off, then on, etc. No wonder he’s so crabby! LOL
Oh Beth…I’m so sorry about that semi-new mattress! What a bummer. I wonder what might help? A yoga or stretching class? A board under the mattress? Body pillow? Surely there’s something!
That is exactly true!!! Neither I nor my husband get very much sleep , he works long hours at work sometimes getting 4 hours of sleep, I average about 5 due to many health issues….. So you can imagine ! Lol