We all have trouble sleeping from time to time. So, what can you do when you’re lying awake on a sleepless night? Look to the Scriptures! Here, I’ve compiled 24 Bible verses to help you sleep.
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If you struggle with sleep in some way, you are definitely not alone!
I think sleep problems run in my family. My dad has insomnia and delayed sleep phase syndrome (meaning, he finds it nearly impossible to fall asleep earlier than, like, 2am). And me, well, I have narcolepsy.
That means that, most of the time, I struggle more with staying awake than falling asleep. However, being a person who’s narcolepsy is ‘under control’ with medication, is sometimes a catch-22. Like, I’m awake enough to function, but I still need naps, and occasionally I’m actually too anxious to fall asleep.
Believe it or not, there are still some things that keep me up at night. Like loud thunderstorms, and bad colds. A few years ago, I had a bad flare-up of excema, and the itching kept waking me up! It was terrible.
All of that to say, if you struggle with sleepless nights, I feel your pain. I’ve seen both sides of this struggle. Sometimes, I too really need some Bible verses to help me sleep.
What to do when you can’t sleep?
So, when you’re in the midst of one of those terrible sleepless nights, what can you do? Since you’re reading this, you must already know that reading God’s Word can be a great source of comfort and peace, even helping you to (finally!) get to sleep. But also, just praying to God is an awesome thing to do when you’re lying awake at night. And not just praying to ask for help falling asleep, but also praying for others (like your family or co-workers), which may help to take your mind off your own struggles in the process.
One way Bible verses have helped me sleep, is by praying the Scripture out loud (especially Psalms!) There is just something about speaking God’s Word out loud, that helps me put greater trust in the Lord and leave my problems in His very capable hands. And then, drift off to sleep ;).
24 Bible Verses to Help You Sleep
To help you get to sleep on those restless nights, I’ve rounded up these Bible verses, which cover three different areas. First up, are comforting verses to read when you can’t sleep (regardless of the reason). And then, there are specific verses for when pain or discomfort are keeping you up at night, and specific verses for stress or anxiety.
Quick Links:
Verses 1-9: Scriptures About Sleep & Relying on God
Verses 10-16: Scriptures for When Physical Discomfort Keeps You Awake
Verses 17-20: Scriptures for When Stress/Anxiety Keeps You Awake
Scriptures About Sleep & Relying on God for Rest
In these Bible verses to help you sleep, you’ll find comfort and assurance, as well as encouragement to rely on God in your struggles. And, with this first Bible verse about sleep from the book of Esther, we see that God can use sleepless nights to bring about good things too! (By the way, if you’ve never read the entire book of Esther, I highly recommend it. It’s short and sweet, and such an inspiring story of divine purpose.)
1) Esther 6:1-2 (NIV)
That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.
2) Psalm 4:8 (NLT)
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
3) Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
4) Psalm 65:5 (NIV)
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
5) Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
6) Psalm 116:5-7 (NIV)
The Lord is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return to your rest, my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you.
7) Psalm 121:1-4 (NIV)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
8) Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
9) Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
10) 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Scriptures for When Physical Discomfort Keeps You Awake
These Bible verses are especially for times when you’re being kept awake by some type of discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain or sickness that keeps you up at night, Psalm 6 is an especially powerful night prayer to pray out loud.
11) Psalm 3:3-6 (NLT)
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Interlude
I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me.
I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
who surround me on every side.
12) Psalm 6:2, 6 ,9 (NIV)
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
[…]
I am worn out from my groaning.
All night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
[…]
The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
13) Psalm 56:8 (MSG)
You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn
through the sleepless nights,
Each tear entered in your ledger,
each ache written in your book.
14) Matthew 8:24-26 (NIV)
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
15) Romans 8:17-18 (NIV)
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
16) James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
17) 1 Peter 4:12-16 (NIV)
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Scriptures for When Stress/Anxiety Keeps You Awake
For those nights when you’re worrying and just can’t seem to quiet your thoughts, these Bible verses can help you get to sleep. Psalm 23 is an especially good Scripture to fall asleep to, as you recite it over and over again and trust God with your concerns. If you’re searching for Scriptures that make great prayers to help you sleep, the Psalms are the first place to look!
18) Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
19) Proverbs 3:21-24 (NIV)
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
20) Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
21) Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
22) John 14:27 (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.
23) Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
24) 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
What are your favorite Bible verses that help you sleep? God’s Word is so full of great Bible verses that can provide you with comfort and peace on sleepless nights! There are Psalms to read at night, that make wonderful bedtime prayers. There are Scriptures about God’s provision and rescue in times of distress. And, many Bible stories about God’s people who also had sleepless nights.
Keep reading and seeking God, my friend. He is your ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1)—and that includes sleepless nights.
Hi! Thank you so much for visiting Divine Creative Love. I’m a Jesus-lovin’ girl, lettering artist, designer, and general creative-at-heart. And, I have narcolepsy. I blog about faith in God, overcoming challenges, and creative topics such as Bible journaling. If you’re new here, be sure and subscribe to my list so you won’t miss anything!