Counsel #21 — Quiet The Mind

Picture: Counsel #21 — Quiet The MindCWe 128.1

Untreated clinical or situational anxiety can lead to persistent worry that interferes with sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve restful quality sleep. While it’s normal to feel anxious about specific stressful situations temporarily, constant, overwhelming anxiety that disrupts sleep regularly may require professional support.CWe 128.2

Chronic anxiety often leads to nightmares, as the brain transforms fearful thoughts into unsettling dreams, disrupting both NREM and REM sleep cycles. Individuals with severe anxiety may also experience muscle tension, teeth clenching, and grinding, which strains the jaw muscles and joints. If anxiety frequently impacts your sleep, consider practicing calming activities before bed, such as deep breathing exercises, a warm shower, journaling, or reducing screen time. By intentionally decluttering your mind and managing anxiety, you can help your body relax, allowing for a deeper, more restorative rest.^{[139]https://www.gatheratdawn.com/blog-content/when-anxiety-steals-your-sleep}CWe 128.3

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIVCWe 128.4

“There is much needless worrying, much trouble of mind, over things that cannot be helped… Needless anxiety is a foolish thing, and it hinders us from standing in a true position before God.” Ellen White in In Heavenly Places, p. 113CWe 128.5

Reflect: Does worrying about the stressors of life before bed negatively affect your quality of sleep?CWe 128.6