Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Me too. I’m not sure if it is my age or just the night habit of a mother of six, but I often find myself awake at 3:00 in the morning.

Sometimes I’m troubled about a situation, and the worry monsters hover over me. Other nights there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with my world, except the need for more sleep.

But what do sleeping problems have to do with building a spiritual legacy? A lot really. What you do with the time when you can’t sleep determines what kind of person you will be the next morning.

Not being one to waste anything—I was raised by a Depression Era father—I’ve come up with ways to put my sleeplessness to good use:

Be practical

If you forgot to lock the doors, or some other nagging household thought bothers you, take care of it quickly. Don’t stay up worrying about it.

Be praying

Many Christians get their best praying done in the night seasons. I’m no exception. My prayer list sits on my bedside table so I can remind myself of who has asked for prayer. Some I have memorized since they are ongoing.

Be realistic

If you have children, there will be times when you will have trouble sleeping at night. When kids need you at 1:00 in the morning, sleep is off your agenda. Consider it time invested in building your character by ministering to your children. You’re depositing love and faithfulness into their little lives.

Be intentional

Keeping a regular sleep schedule really helps me sleep. I’m in bed by 10:00 p.m. and up at 5:00 a.m. And I’m not shy about taking a short nap in the afternoon. Sometimes when I find myself awake at 3:00, I get up and do some writing or read my Bible. No sense wasting time trying to fall back asleep. Usually within an hour I’m ready to hit the pillow again.

Be healthy

Cut back on caffeine, wine, or other food and drink that are known to give you trouble sleeping at night. Dehydration can cause sleeplessness too, so drink lots of water early in the day. Avoid drinking water in the evening, or you will have trouble sleeping because of the need to use the bathroom.

Be honest

You are not called to solve the problems of the world. Or your kid’s problems. Or every problem at work. Decide what is your responsibility, and then leave everything else in God’s hands. That stuff is none of your business, and dwelling on things that are not your business will cost you sleep.

Be processing

Process your concerns with the Lord, and let his Spirit instruct your heart. I find that I listen more intently to the Lord at night without the distractions of the day invading my thoughts.

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night season. (Psalm 16:7 NKJ)

So now you know what I do when I’m having trouble sleeping at night. OK, maybe I do check out Facebook and play around on Pinterest a little, but hey, when else do I have time for that stuff?

Trouble sleeping at night

What do you do when you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep? What kind of person will you be in the morning? Choose wisely. People have to live with you.

Really, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a note in the comment section below, Susan

“Jesus likes it when we share.” -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody’s brother, but you know, all of your friends would be nice.

Related posts:

What Bookends Hold Your Day in Place?

5 Tips to Avoid Morning Depression

Check out this post on 6 Tips to Help Your Child Sleep Better by Maria El-Aaraj over at How to Be Super Mom.