The 2023 ‘Healthier Nation Index’ published by the UK healthcare charity Nuffield Health, surveyed 8,000 UK adults and highlighted poor sleep as a significant concern in the country. On average, Brits are getting only 5.91 hours of sleep per night. Just 36% of respondents reported having good-quality sleep, while 64% expressed dissatisfaction with their rest. A healthy adult typically requires 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep per night, yet 11% of those surveyed said they sleep between just two and four hours per night, and 36% only four to six hours.
We all know that a lack of sleep puts you in a bad mood, slows your thinking, and can lead to long-term health issues. However, a study conducted by Williamson and Feyer compared the effects on performance of sleep deprivation and alcohol. But here’s the real eye-opener the results revealed that a lack of sleep affects the body the same way drinking alcohol does.
Research found that after 17-19 hours without sleep, our alertness is comparable to someone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, which is considered “impaired.” For perspective, that’s like waking up at 7:00am and staying awake until 2:00am, which many people often do. After staying awake for 24 hours—just one sleepless night—the body reaches a state similar to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10%– which according to the UK law is well beyond the 0.08% BAC that identifies someone as legally drunk.
Various factors can disrupt a good night’s sleep—daily stress, health issues, personal concerns or emotional turmoil. The fast pace of modern life, late-night use of technology, and endless to-do lists also contribute to sleep disorders. However, it’s important to acknowledge that some sleep problems could have a spiritual dimension.
When insomnia becomes a regular struggle and anxious thoughts plague your nights, it may be time to seek deeper help to rid yourself of these disturbances.
If you’re struggling to sleep, proclaim an end to your suffering. Find a Universal Church near you and join the deliverance meetings every Friday.
We are in the second week of our ‘7 Fridays of I Will Lie Down in Peace’ purpose. Bring a pillowcase to be blessed as we declare by faith, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet” (Proverbs 3:24).
Event: 7 Fridays of I Will Lie Down in Peace
Date and time: Friday 18th October at 7:30pm
Location: Your local Universal Church
Sources:
https://www.itij.com/latest/news/only-36-cent-uk-employees-rate-their-sleep-good
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1739867/pdf/v057p00649.pdf
