By Nancy Virden (c)2025

Sleep is a gift, a treasure, and a component of mental health. It restores energy and can lift moods. Sleep is also a getaway, an isolation tool, and too much or too little of it can be a symptom of mental health disturbance.

One young mom was unhappy with her family arrangement because she had felt pressured to take in a young relative and raise him. Her picture-perfect family plan had been interrupted, and it took a few years to come to terms with it. As she learned to embrace the change, she confessed, “I love sleep. I could sleep all day.”

Many parents can relate to the exhaustion she may have felt with four young children. However, her desire was more for escape from her inner turmoil and anxiety. Many of us can also relate to that motive.

A few years ago, I wrote a post about avoiding sleep because of dread or anxiety. The suggestions I was able to offer were from other people. I could not give solutions because I struggle with sleep, too. One doctor recently said that staying awake is my habit. If he is right, it is a lifelong habit that interferes with other things I want to do and people I want to see.

I’ve learned a few tricks for falling asleep, such as mindless word searches, taking my medications (a routine), and quietly praising God. Television keeps me awake; looking for news on my phone does too. Overcoming anxiety is the most challenging part.

Last Friday brought little sleep. I was to spend Saturday with my two favorite people, my sons. Tossing and turning came from a combination of anticipation and worry that the visit would be disappointing.

Who was in control of that visit? Not me. I could decide how to act, but I have no control over my sons’ choices. We do not always think alike, enjoy the same things, or communicate the same way. The potential for feeling left out or bored runs high. Do you see why I did not sleep?

Hoping to control the uncontrollable is a sure-fire way to experience anxiety. Acceptance, learning to appreciate what is rather than what one would prefer, is a prelude to sleep. I have to be honest with myself and let go of the hope that these men will suddenly change and want what I enjoy. Being with them is inherently joyful because I love them, they are kind and respectful to me, and I like the men they are.

Ultimately, the only One with the power to change any of us is God. He made my sons with distinct purposes, as He has me. My prayer is that they grow in faith and in obedience to their Creator, as I must also do.

Regardless of the reasons for anxiety or sleep issues, God sees you and me. He knows our hearts’ desires and wants to give us peace. Psalm 62:5-8 reads, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (niv)

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Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 62:5-6 (NIV). 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -Jesus

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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