Too many Americans are short changing themselves on sleep, to spend more time at work, at play, or chatting on the Internet. On an average week day, Americans get 6 to 7 hrs of sleep per night, while research suggests we need 8 hrs. Lack of sleep affects our ability to judge accurately. A lack of sleep puts at risk our productivity, safety, and health. Research shows that sleep deprived people increase their caloric consumption by as much as 15%, while their performance on certain tests is significantly worse than after 1-2 alcoholic drinks. Chronic loss of sleep may increase the risk of diabetes since the insulin secretion can be impaired by up to 30%. Sleep deprivation also contributes to mental depression; increases the risk of colds and infections; and decreases the ability to handle stress. Sleep debt has a harmful effect on endocrine function similar to that seen in normal aging.

Sleep resettles us emotionally, cognitively, and immunologically. Sleep is a time of renewal and restoration. Christ suggested we need adequate periods of rest (Mark 6:31), which are essential to the health of body and mind.