You Don’t Need to Count Sheep to Sleep

Be thankful and say so to Him. (Psalm 100:4 AMPC)

We’ve all heard the proverbial saying, “If you can’t sleep, just count sheep.” But even research has shown that this doesn’t work for those who struggle with insomnia because simply put, counting sheep is boring. But there’s something that I’ve learned to do that has helped me fall asleep: count my blessings. As I lie in bed every night, I think about what I’m thankful for that day. From waking up in the morning to returning home safe and sound, there are many blessings that we can think of and be thankful for. In fact, the Psalmist encourages us to “Be thankful and say so to Him.” There are times when I don’t even get through all of the day’s blessings because I just go right to sleep. According to one study, “Thoughts of thankfulness for positive things before sleep resulted in falling asleep more quickly and for a longer period of time.” It turns out that there is a correlation between having an attitude of gratitude and getting a good night’s sleep, after all. So stop counting sheep to sleep and count your blessings instead. Believe me, it works!

Published by risingwiththeson

Farah obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree (with a double major in English and Religious Studies) from the University of Toronto, where she also completed her Bachelor of Education (OISE). While she enjoys teaching, writing gives Farah equal pleasure. She began to exercise this passion with the publication of "Rising with the Son," her daily devotional blog. It is designed to help strengthen the faith of her readers in Jesus. Through her writing, it is Farah's wish to inspire others and help them develop a closer relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

One thought on “You Don’t Need to Count Sheep to Sleep

  1. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt and practical insight on fostering an attitude of gratitude, especially before bedtime. Your personal touch on the common struggle of falling asleep and how shifting focus from counting sheep to counting blessings can make a difference is both relatable and inspiring. The way you intertwined the scriptural encouragement with a pragmatic approach towards appreciating daily blessings provides a refreshing perspective. This practice not only fosters a deeper sense of thankfulness but also promotes a peaceful mind conducive to rest. Your post serves as a gentle reminder to recognize and express gratitude for the many blessings we often take for granted, ultimately leading to a more restful sleep and a more thankful heart.

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