20/20 Vision Day 16 - Bedtime Routines

This is the last of five evaluations related to time.

One of the first things new parents will hear about related to care for their baby is the value of a bedtime routine. The National Institute of Health describes benefits of a bedtime routine in young children along with studies published in Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics confirming that “children who follow a consistent bedtime routine and fell asleep at the same time each night displayed better control of their emotions and behavior” when under stress. Routines can help all of us feel secure, settle down and enjoy sleep – even adults

As adults, you may be surprised to hear that “people with irregular sleep patterns weigh more, had higher blood sugar, higher blood pressure, and a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke within 10 years that those who slept and woke at the same times every day.” (Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC).

In my  early childbirth education training, I researched every Bible verse related to sleep and rest.  My final observation is that sleep and rest are two different things, and we don’t always get our rest in sleep. Rest is a gift from God. Many people toss and turn all night, particularly when carrying some daytime troubles to bed. This is where a bedtime routine can help adults. Simple things like dimming the lights at a certain time each night, avoiding electronics after a certain hour, setting a recording of scripture to play as you perform end of the day routines can help close the day. Bedtimes routines require planning.

• “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matt11:28NLT

•  “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Pro 3:24 NASB

• “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Ps127:2

Father God, we thank you for limiting our day with sunlight and darkness at night. We thank you for creating our bodies with a need for rest.  Teach us how to put our own daily works in order, to develop bedtime routines and habits that allow us to receive your rest.