Day 7 of 21-Day Sugar Fast
When we fast, we give our body rest, and rest is crucial for healing. All kinds of healing happen when we rest. Do you build in rest into each day? I do. It’s called sleep. Sleep helps heal and restore us. God designed sleep to be a blessing for us.
Before beginning my second 21-Day Sugar Fast, the six weeks prior during my setback, I consumed a lot of sugar. Confession: I like red wine. And red wine has sugar in it. I’ve been suspicious that sugar and especially alcohol negatively impacts my sleep.
So, I was curious what my new Sleep Number bed with all its built-in sleep technology would reveal. Remember what Alisa Keeton says, “Things won’t be healed if they aren’t revealed.” And I want healing, which means I need some revelation.
After just three days on this sugar fast journey, my sleep improved. Not only was I not waking up as much, but my Sleep Number bed app showed that both my breath rate and heart rate slowed down while I slept. This is a good thing.
And my heart rate variability (HRV) improved. Heart rate variability is simply a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat.
After the first week of this sugar fast my biometrics remain healthier. While we may not like to see the truth revealed, the truth will set us free and lead us to healthier ways of living. Sugar and consuming alcohol does impact my sleep. The question is what do I desire more: sugar or sleep?
Sleep Helps Heal and Restore
During sleep our bodies rest and restore in so many ways. According to my sleep app, “a high HRV means high energy, good recovery, enhanced cognitive performance, and balance of heart and mind.” While a low HRV means “low energy, low immune system, high stress, and imbalance of heart and mind.”
Sleep helps heal and restore us. In just three days, the data revealed an answer to my suspicion. I desire to be healthy, energetic, and strong so that I can fulfill my calling for the Lord. But how can I be healthy and at my best if I’m not sleeping well?
God designed our bodies to fight to heal and lots of that healing and restoration takes place while we sleep. It only makes sense to be intentional then about both quantity and quality of our sleep.
Yet, so many people struggle with sleep. During my sugar fast, the Lord has brought to my attention the need for sleep healing. Is it possible that we could help our bodies fight better if we slept better? The answer is yes.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
At the end of the day, we need to rest. God created us to need sleep. And this beautiful thing called sleep helps heal and restore us. How gracious is our Creator to build into our bodies natural ways to heal and restore.
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7 (NIV)
Bedtime Prayer
Oh Lord, quiet my spirit and mind. Bring rest to my body and soul. Bring peace to me. For in Your peace I find healing.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
Amen
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