Why is sleep/sleeping necessary?

Answer

Since God created everything, He also instilled in us the necessity for sleep. The initial biblical reference to sleep is in Genesis 2:21 when God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep and fashioned Eve from one of his ribs. God incorporated the idea of rest into His creation «And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. », (Genesis 2:2). He established the practice of regular rest by setting aside the Sabbath day for the Jewish people (Exodus 31:16; Leviticus 23:3).

The Bible discusses sleep in both positive and negative contexts. Sleep is at times depicted as a blessing from God in passages like Proverbs 3:24 and Psalm 4:8. We understand that sleep is essential for good health because Jesus also needed to sleep just like we do (Luke 8:23; Mark 1:35). At times, God communicated with people through dreams and visions while they slept (Genesis 20:3; Genesis 31:24; 1 Kings 3:5; Daniel 7:1). However, sleep, like all of God’s gifts, can be misused. Verses such as Proverbs 6:9, 19:15, 20:13, and 24:33 equate laziness with sleep.

Numerous theories, both scientific and fantastical, exist regarding the purpose of sleep. Research shows the behavioral changes that occur when we lack sleep, but science cannot answer the question “Why?” One possible explanation for our need for sleep is that it serves as a reminder that we are creatures, not the Creator. Our physical bodies require constant replenishment with food, water, oxygen, and sleep to function properly. Meeting these needs is essential.Sleep consumes a significant amount of our time and energy. It is essential to remember our limitations and acknowledge our complete dependence on God for our existence. Our physical needs serve as constant reminders.

Moreover, sleep allows our minds to rest, enabling us to focus more clearly when awake. Our minds resemble computers, possessing storage capacity, memory, and untapped potential. However, like computers, they can malfunction without proper care. Just as a computer requires regular rebooting when overloaded, our brains need a restart through a good night’s sleep. Scripture frequently mentions encountering God in the morning (Isaiah 50:4; Exodus 34:2; Psalm 5:3). God also assures us that His mercies are renewed each morning: “They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23), indicating the importance of seeking His strength after a restful night.

A restful night’s sleep is often portrayed as a divine gift (Leviticus 26:6; Psalm 4:8), while restlessness in bed is associated with a troubled conscience or fear (Psalm 6:6; Psalm 77:4). Regardless of God’s purpose in instilling the need for sleep within us, we can be grateful that He fulfills all our needs: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He designed us with needs and limitations to constantly remind us of our reliance on Him. These reminders cultivate gratitude and humility, essential qualities for dwelling in God’s presence.

arch-bible?s=James+4%3A6%3BPsalm+95%3A2″>(James 4:6; Psalm 95:2).