Asking the Clergy: Why might people of strong faith sleep better?

If you believe in a deity who is constantly watching over the world and its people, you might not need to count sheep at night or pop a pill to doze off. Such are the findings of a study released this month by the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, which reported that “a secure attachment to God and assurance of salvation” improved shut-eye even after stressful events. This week’s clergy discuss how faith in God can bring on the recommended eight hours.

Narinder Kapoor

Member, board of directors, Multi-Faith Forum of Long Island, Melville

People tend to be too stressed to sleep when they can’t turn off their minds and instead replay their worries or frustration, or when they experience muscle tension or they have an increased heart rate, which also causes physical tension and triggers restlessness that is counterproductive to sound sleep.

In Srimad Bhagavad Gita, a sacred treatise of Hinduism, Chapter VI, Verse 17, elaborates beautifully on this idea. A person who in the waking stage stays empathetic, selfless and respectful of time,  a person who eats vegetarian food, doesn’t use toxic language, stays extremely positive and discharges duties asked by and for God — such a person will almost always have a balanced and peaceful mind, which in turn promotes sound sleep. Believers sleep better at night knowing that the universe is under the watchful eye of a deity who, at the end of the day, remains deeply concerned with the well-being of the world and its inhabitants.

We secure ourselves against the storms of life by placing our faith and trust in God’s goodness. We don’t need to understand, we just need to hold God’s hand to have peace in the midst of our storms. This type of mindset is an invitation to sound sleep. Stress, anxiety, depression and poor eating habits, along with a lack of complete faith in the omnipresent and omnipotent Almighty God, almost guarantee sleeplessness. The more profound one’s faith is, the more a person will experience peace and calmness. Such an individual will always enjoy better sleep.  

Sister Anjani Seepersaud

Coordinator of Global Harmony House, the Raja Yoga Meditation Center of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, Great Neck

A strong faith can mean resting in the lap of God: comfortably, deeply and sweetly. When a belief is held and includes guidance on how to lead your life, following that belief closely will guide you through situations with honor, trust, brotherhood and respect. You will be on your best behavior. Acting in accordance with what you should be doing brings a clear conscience, a feeling of being loved, and an inner joy of usefulness. A clear conscience is a mind free of fear and worry.

It is often our worried and fearful thoughts that come to us at night. With so much brain energy being used to manage our life concerns, shortcomings and mistakes, we become tired but not rested. We have cluttered our minds to the extent that sleep eludes us, and we become weak in body, mind and spirit.

The pure energy of trusting in God brings freedom from negative thoughts. Questions such as “What will happen?” or “What did I do?” will not arise. Living well by practicing spiritual principles, as well as seeing God's family as one united spiritual family, will bring happiness, satisfaction and sleep. It is a wonderful method to finish the day by honestly sharing everything of your day with God and allowing God to guide you in the next day. You will rest well if you have faith that you are not alone.  

Rabbi Anchelle Perl

Director, Chabad of Mineola  

Faith is a key to a good night’s sleep. It clearly helps us calm down. Faith is the language of the soul.

Taking advantage of this soul power needs nurturing just before going to sleep. The first step is to know that sleep is a journey. As with any journey, you’ll come back more refreshed if you travel light. You travel light when you leave the baggage behind — meaning, all those grudges and hard feelings that may have been collecting over the day. Make sure to forgive anyone who may have hurt you before going to bed. The second step in revealing this cleansing and soulful hidden faith is recognizing that the hardest thing about falling asleep is really your act of surrender — letting go and allowing God to take over.

The Talmud describes sleep as one-sixtieth of death. Wherever life is diminished, a vacuum draws in forces of impurity and unwanted thoughts. That’s a tad scary. So we say the Shema Yisroel prayer, pronouncing the words clearly and with mental focus. Those words will continue to run through your mind as you sleep, their light enveloping you and protecting you through the night with elevated faith.

The best insurance for sweet, restful and faith-filled dreams is to read tales of holy righteous people in bed until you fall asleep. Be confident that you’ve put this day behind you, cleared up any misdemeanors between you and God, and made peace in your heart with other people. And then get ready to turn in a wonderful report of all of God’s kindnesses and wonders.