Rest for God’s Beloved: Finding the Right Balance

In this final post discussing Rest for God’s Beloved, we will turn our attention to what science says about the importance of having well-balanced sleep.

In Psalm 127:2, we’re reminded that God “grants sleep to those He loves.” Sleep is a gift, yet like every good gift, it must be received with wisdom. Too little sleep leaves us drained and vulnerable; too much can leave us sluggish and unmotivated. God designed our bodies to flourish in balance, and sleep is no exception.

The Dangers of Too Little or Too Much Sleep

Science confirms what Scripture implies: balance is key. Less than 6 hours of sleep weakens your immune system, raises your risk for heart disease, impairs focus, and shortens your lifespan. More than 10 hours regularly can also cause harm, such as increasing risks for depression, weight gain, and cognitive decline.

1. Immune Function

• Too Little (<6 hours/night): Weakens the immune system, increasing risk of infections.

• Too Much (>10 hours/night): May cause immune system imbalances.

  
  

2. Heart Health

• Too Little: Higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

• Too Much: Linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

  
  

3. Metabolism & Weight

• Too Little: Hormonal imbalance, increased risk of obesity, and diabetes.

• Too Much: Can raise the risk of diabetes and weight gain.

  
  

4. Mental Health

• Too Little: Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and irritability.

• Too Much: Associated with depression and low energy.

  
  

5. Cognitive Function

• Too Little: Impaired memory, focus, and decision-making.

• Too Much: Mental fog and possible cognitive decline.

  
  

6. Performance & Safety

• Too Little: Slower reaction times, higher accident risk.

• Too Much: Grogginess (sleep inertia) and lower productivity.

  
  

7. Longevity

• Too Little: Linked to shorter lifespan.

• Too Much: Also linked to shorter lifespan.

  
  

8. Quality of Life

• Too Little: Fatigue, low motivation, and emotional instability.

• Too Much: Fatigue, low motivation, and reduced overall well-being.

Consistency: The Key to Restorative Sleep

For some, balanced restorative sleep tends to be a unicorn because they bounce back and forth between too little and too much sleep. They deprive themselves of sleep so much that their bodies eventually crash, and they start sleeping too much to recover. By the time their bodies begin to enter a state of normalcy, they repeat the cycle, starting from too little sleep.

This is not a good state to be in.

Consistency in our sleep schedule helps us become more efficient sleepers. With good sleep efficiency, all the processes that need to occur in our state of rest will happen because we have an internal rhythm that has been established.

It’s like working a white-collar job - most important activities are performed between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. When we train our bodies to sleep according to a consistent schedule, we become expert healers in the set timeframe.

Consistency is more important than perfection

The Abundant Benefits of Healthy, Restorative Sleep

Cognitive & Emotional Benefits

• Boosts memory and learning

• Improves focus and decision-making

• Reduces mood swings, depression, and anxiety

• Fuels creativity and problem-solving, especially during REM sleep

  
  

Physical Benefits

• Repairs muscles and tissues

• Strengthens immunity

• Supports heart health and blood pressure regulation

• Regulates appetite hormones for a healthy metabolism

  
  

Daily Performance Benefits

• Enhances energy and alertness

• Improves reaction time and coordination

  
  

Long-Term Benefits

• Slows cellular aging

• Reduces risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s

• Increases resilience and overall quality of life

Sleep as a Spiritual Discipline

Jesus slept in the middle of a storm because His trust in the Father was unshakable. For us, healthy sleep can also be an act of faith—a way of saying, “Lord, I trust You enough to rest.” That trust should lead us to seek balance: working diligently during the day and sleeping enough at night to restore our bodies, minds, and spirits.

God didn’t design us to live in constant exhaustion or indulgent laziness. He calls us to the sweet spot—where our rest fuels our purpose, and our purpose gives meaning to our rest.

So tonight, receive His gift. Sleep as one loved, cared for, and watched over by the One who never slumbers.

I love you,

Oyin.