Well, these days, I have another health issue that landed me in the hospital. It has been a rough couple of days that left me experiencing anxiety at such a level that I was not able to sleep for two days. My thoughts were convincing me that I was going to suffocate. I have never experienced anything like this before.
Yesterday (from the moment I wrote this article), I received a visit from Will and his lovely wife Angel, a wonderful couple of friends from our days in Gates County, North Carolina. My wife knew they were coming. She decided to surprise me. When they came in, I was struggling with anxiety and getting close to depression. I was still struggling with breathing. When they asked me how I was doing, I could not lie; I told them I was not feeling well. The simplicity of the good old-fashioned fellowship was enough to lift my spirit.
We sat at the dining room table, and in minutes, we laughed and told stories. Soon, I realized I was not gasping for air; the anxiety was gone, and I was feeling great.
I had a great night’s sleep; I have not experienced this sleep quality in years. I woke up feeling great. I went outside to receive the healing power of the morning sun, and then I studied God’s Word as part of my morning routine. I had a devotional time with my wife, and we closed in prayer.
In my morning devotional, the Holy Ghost wanted to show me some hard truths concerning sleep apnea, so I went there. On May 2024, The National Council on Aging (NCOA) placed the following stats together concerning sleep apnea:
- Approximately 39 million U.S. adults have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Nine hundred thirty-six million adults around the world are estimated to have mild to severe OSA.
- Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea in up to 94% of patients.
- Untreated sleep apnea can lead to heart, kidney, and metabolic health complications.
- It’s estimated that 33 million U.S. adults, including President Joe Biden, use a CPAP machine.
- Not all people with sleep apnea have an official diagnosis. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) estimates that as many as 80% of people with OSA are undiagnosed.
- OSA is a prevalent condition worldwide. A 2019 study funded by ResMed—a company that manufactures machines for sleep apnea treatment—found that as many as 936 million adults worldwide have mild to severe OSA.
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea are more prevalent in U.S. adults than you might think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that three in four U.S. adults have sleep disorder symptoms. [1] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition where the upper airway is blocked while sleeping.[1]
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows:
- Loud snoring.
- Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep — which another person would report.
- Gasping for air during sleep.
- Awakening with a dry mouth.
- Morning headache.
- Difficulty staying asleep, known as insomnia.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, known as hypersomnia.
- Difficulty paying attention while awake.
- Irritability.[2]
In my case, I was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea, and I have been totally out of compliance for years in using a CPAP Machine. It was a matter of time before things got serious. It is one thing when we stop breathing in the middle of the night; sometimes, we don’t even notice. It is an entirely different situation when you struggle to breathe in the middle of the day or while trying to sleep. It is a desperate and scary situation. My out-of-compliance with the CPAP machine is a significant reason why the last couple of weeks have been the roughest in my life in terms of my health.
My heart is functioning at 35% percent (Normal is 55% or up). My heart struggles to pump my blood correctly; this has placed a lot of pressure, wear, and tear on that precious organ. Every night, I am supposed to sleep and rest. However, my heart is in a fight or flight mode, causing all kinds of issues, including out-of-control diabetes that, even when I was embracing a carnivore diet, I was still producing high numbers in the morning. High blood pressure and low testosterone are two other complications directly associated with sleep apnea.
So, where do I go from here? I go to the place we all must go to as believers, to the Word of God. What is it that the Bible has to say about sleep? Well, I have good news for you, God does not ignore this topic. It is indeed a blessing from God to be able to have a sound, peaceful, and sweet sleep:
Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 (NLT)
Jeremiah 31:26
At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me. (ESV)
Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (NIV)
10 Things We Can Do to Improve Our Sleep According to Scripture
Before we continue, let us remember that stress and worry will always get in the way of a good night’s sleep; being at peace is fundamental as we pursue good nights of sleep.
- Trust God
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (NIV)
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (NLT)
John 14:1–3
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (NLT)
2. Pray
3. Present your request before God.
4. Fix your attitude by having an attitude of thanksgiving (Count your blessings)
Philippians 4:6–7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
5. Make the Lord your shepherd.
Psalm 23:1–6
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. (NLT)
6. Seek God’s Kingdom above all else (Seek His ways, not yours, of the way of the world.)
Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)
Psalm 91:1–2
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (NLT)
Psalm 91:4-6
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. (NLT)
7. Give 100 Percent in your Job as you Work to Make a Living
Ecclesiastes 5:12
People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:14
Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. (NLT)
8. Remember that Rest is ONLY found in Jesus; Therefore, Seek HIM.
9. Discover His yoke and His Burden: His yoke is easy, and His Burden is light because He blesses you with the anointing to be able to do what he has called you to do.
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)
1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)
10. Let God Lead You
Romans 8:6
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (NLT)
Psalm 16:8-9
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. (KJV)
Proverbs 6:22
When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. (NLT)
Isaiah 40:29–31
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (NLT)
As my understanding of our nature as humans (body, soul, and spirit) expands, I must apply these Biblical principles to my sleep. Regarding my body, I must 1) improve my sleep quality by complying with a CPAP Machine, 2) make proper dietary changes, and 3) exercise. All these principles together will allow me an opportunity to live out the blessing of wellness. However, it all starts with a good night’s sleep.
[1] https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/sleep-apnea-statistics/#:~:text=Approximately%2039%20million%20U.S.%20adults,kidney%2C%20and%20metabolic%20health%20complications.
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
Leave a Reply