“If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” – Proverbs 3:24

Did you wake up in the middle of the night tossing and turning around your bed, thinking about your problems and all the cares of this life? Getting adequate sleep is vital for our overall health — it regenerates our body and replenish our energy. However, most of us are having a hard time falling asleep due to aging and some factors such as stress and anxiety. And, if you are one of them, don’t fret! There are still ways to have a peaceful, stress-free and good night sleep. Here’s how.

Find peace in the Word of God.

“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.” – John 14:27

Find refuge in God’s Word by reading the Bible before you go to sleep — it is our weapon against evil and warfare. His Word can give us comfort, peace and happiness. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1. He is always there in times of trouble and you can find rest in His arms and love. So, don’t be afraid and meditate on some Bible verses about God’s love, protection and promises. “You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor.” – Job 11:19

Pray before you sleep.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7

Surrender all your cares to God by praying at night. Ask Him to give you peace and comfort throughout the night. Cry out to Him and be honest with your feelings. For example, if you are dealing with break up — ask God to help you find the courage to move on and to forget all the hardships that you’ve gone through. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30. Also, you can also ask your family members to pray with you at night. Hold hands together and pray for everyone’s request. Thus, this activity will also make your family get closer together. Lift everything to God and for sure He will help you. “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:19-20

Listen to Christian music.

“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14

Make a playlist of your favorite Christian music and listen to it before you sleep. Christian music can relax your mind and help you to have a better sleep. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16. Listening to praise and worship songs can also give you comfort at night and to have time with God alone. Praise Him in your thoughts and find peace with Him. “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” – Psalm 63:3-4

Have a relaxing bedtime routine.

“Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 11:10

Disconnect to the world and have a relaxing bedtime routine every night. Having a relaxing routine before bedtime can help you separate your sleep time from your daily activities. You can also do some activities that incorporate mindfulness, such as yoga, deep breathing and meditation. “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14. Unplug your computer, TV and set aside your phone at least an hour before you sleep. Take a warm bath, apply relaxing and soothing skin care products, clear your mind and sip a cup of relaxing or caffeine-free warm beverage such as lavender or chamomile tea. You can also practice gratitude every night and find at least one thing that you are grateful for in life and write it in your gratitude or devotional journal. Find time to thank God for all the blessings in your life and sleep with a grateful heart. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2

Create a comfortable environment.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4:8

Our environment has a big impact on getting a good night’s sleep. So, create a comfortable and relaxing area which is designated for sleeping only. Declutter, keep your bed clean, put fluffy pillows spread a nice comforter or a fleece blanket to keep you warm throughout the night, display a Scripture art on your bedside table that reflects God’s love and protection for you. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” – Proverbs 12:25. Dim the light or lit a candle and make your room a sleep-friendly area as much as possible.

Be very careful with decorating your room and put only the things that give you happiness, inspire you and that can grow your faith in God. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” – Deuteronomy 6:5-7. Thus, practicing these habits every night can get you a good night’s sleep that will boost your energy for the next day.