Wellness Wednesday: Sleep Is Not a Luxury, It’s a Lifeline

Sleep isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship. Yet for many of us, especially women, it often feels out of reach.

I’ve struggled with sleep most of my adult life, and it’s only gotten worse as I’ve entered menopause full force. I wake up in the middle of the night—sometimes more than once—and start the next day already running on empty. Sometimes it’s strange dreams. Sometimes it’s hot flashes. Sometimes it’s my mind replaying the day on a loop. Whatever the reason, I rarely wake feeling fully rested.

When I have a string of restless nights, one thing invariably happens—I get emotional. My ability to regulate my feelings gets thin, and I will cry for no reason, cry for all reasons, cry just to cry. It’s so fun being a woman!

Professionally, I know how vital sleep is for emotional health. Personally, I know how frustrating it is when it won’t come easily. So if you struggle too, know you’re not alone. You’re in good company here.

When Sleep Won’t Come

Sleep is the body’s repair shop and the soul’s reminder that we aren’t meant to carry everything. But when our bodies won’t cooperate, we can still be gentle with ourselves. Instead of scolding yourself for being tired, ask, “What might my body need from me right now?”

Rest doesn’t always mean eight perfect hours. Sometimes it’s a short nap, a quiet cup of tea, or simply giving yourself permission to do less. Healing happens in small, compassionate choices.

You can’t always make yourself sleep—but you can create the conditions for rest.

Try This

1. Regulate your rhythm: Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time to help anchor your body’s natural rhythm.

2. Soothe your senses: Magnesium glycinate, a cool room, soft music, or breath prayers can help calm the body before bed.

3. Release, don’t wrestle: When you wake in the night, instead of fighting for sleep, breathe slow and whisper gratitude—“Inhale peace, exhale control.”

Inviting God

When rest feels far away, ask God to meet you there—in the quiet, restless hours when your body feels weak. He’s not waiting for daylight to bring you peace; He’s already near in the dark.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website—let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Think Better Thursday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor—a collection of short devotionals designed to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one honest conversation at a time.