I was recently talking with a friend who told me that she gets really sleepy every time she reads the Bible. She asked me if I ever feel that way, and I have to admit that I sometimes do. But I never really gave it much thought before. After all, reading the Bible is supposed to be a good thing, right? So why does it make us so tired? Turns out, there are quite a few reasons! Keep reading to find out what they are – and how we can overcome them.
Is it normal to feel sleepy when reading the Bible?
There’s nothing quite like cracking open the pages of the Bible and diving into its holy words. For centuries, the Bible has been a source of comfort and guidance for millions of people around the world. But there’s one thing that often goes unmentioned about reading the Bible: it can be really hard to stay awake and engaged. In fact, it’s not uncommon to feel sleepy when reading the Bible, just like you might when reading any other book.
Of course, some would say that feeling sleepy while reading the Bible is a sign of disrespect or disinterest in God. But that view is outdated and doesn’t take into account the complex nature of human attention span. Just because you feel sleepy while reading the Bible doesn’t mean you’re not engaged with its content or your relationship with Jesus. So next time you find yourself struggling to keep your eyes open while reading Scripture, don’t worry – it’s perfectly normal. Sweet dreams!
Why do I feel sleepy when I read the Bible?
Do you ever start reading the Bible and then suddenly feel incredibly sleepy? You’re not alone. In fact, a lot of people experience this phenomenon. There are a few possible explanations for why this happens.
1. The language of the Bible is outdated.
Reading the King James Version of the Bible can feel like wading through molasses. The language is antiquated and often difficult to understand. That can make it hard to stay focused, particularly if you’re not used to reading it.
2. You’re associating Bible reading with sleep.
Have you ever noticed that you tend to fall asleep when you read in bed? That’s because your brain associates being in bed with sleep. If you’re in the habit of reading your Bible in bed, chances are your brain will start to associate Bible reading with sleep as well.
Association can also be a reason why you feel sleepy when attending church.
3. The content of the Bible can be confusing or boring.
Let’s face it: the Bible can be confusing. It’s a big book with a lot of complex stories and characters. That can make it tough to follow, especially if you’re not used to reading it. And let’s be honest: some parts of the Bible are just plain boring. If you’re not interested in the content, it’s going to be hard to stay awake.
Read also: Why do I get sleepy when I study?
4. You might be dehydrated or hungry.
This one seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes we don’t realize how tired we are until we sit down to try and focus on something specific. Make sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day and that you’re eating regular meals. A growling stomach can be a major distraction!
5. Reading at night
In addition, our natural sleep cycles can also play a role in why we feel sleepy when we read the Bible. Our bodies are programmed to experience periods of wakefulness and periods of sleepiness throughout the day. This is known as our circadian rhythm.
For most people, our natural sleepiness begins to kick in around 9 or 10 pm. So if you’re reading the Bible late at night, it’s not surprising that you might start to feel tired.
6. Reading in bed
Reading in bed can also lead to feelings of sleepiness. This is because when we’re in bed, our brain associates being there with sleep. So if you’re trying to read the Bible while lying in bed, your brain is likely to start sending you signals that it’s time to sleep.
One of the cues that tells our bodies it’s time to start winding down for the night is reduced lighting levels. So, if you’re reading the Bible in a dimly lit bedroom, as many people do, your body may start to prep for sleep even if your mind is still wide awake.
Read also: Why does reading make me tired?
7. You’re not taking breaks.
When you’re reading any book, it’s important to take breaks every 20 minutes or so. That gives your eyes a chance to rest and your brain a chance to process what you’ve just read. If you try to plow through the Bible without taking breaks, you’re more likely to feel sleepy.
8. You have had a long day
Sometimes we are just tired after a long or hard day. In these cases, it is difficult to focus on anything, let alone something as dense as the Bible. If you find yourself in this situation, it might be best to just set the Bible aside and try again another time.
Read also: Why do I get sleepy when I pray?
Is it good to read the Bible before bed?
As Christians, we are called to read the Bible daily. But what is the best time of day to do that? Some people prefer to read in the morning as a way to start their day off on the right foot. Others like to save their Bible reading for later in the day as a way to wind down before bed. So, which is better? Here are three reasons why reading the Bible before bed might be the best option for you.
1. Reading the Bible helps us relax ready for sleep
No matter how busy our days are, most of us enjoy winding down with a good book before bed. And what better book to read than the Bible? Not only does reading Scripture help us relax and get ready for sleep, but it also provides us with food for thought as we reflect on our day and drift off to dreamland.
2. Reading the Bible in the evening helps us reflect on our day
The evening is often a time when we reflect on our day and think about what went well and what could have gone better. Reading the Bible during this time can help us gain some much-needed perspective. We might realize that we need to repent of some sin or that we need to be more grateful for all the good things God has given us. Either way, reading Scripture gives us a chance to realign our priorities and set our minds on things above.
3. Reading the Bible before bed can be part of a prayer routine
For many of us, prayer time often falls by the wayside as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But if we make a deliberate effort to pray before bed, we can ensure that we’re taking time out of our busy schedules to communicate with God. And what better way to do that than by reading His Word first? By starting our bedtime prayer routine with some Bible reading, we can set the tone for a conversation with God that is grounded in His promises and filled with thanksgiving and praise.
How to stop falling asleep when reading the Bible
If you find yourself falling asleep when reading the Bible, there are a few things you can do to stay awake.
1. Choose a time of day when you’re wide awake to read the Bible.
If you normally read the Bible at night before bed, try reading it in the morning instead. You might also want to try reading it during your lunch break or in the evening after dinner.
2. Use a modern version
If you’re struggling to stay interested in the Bible, try reading a modern version. There are plenty of options out there that use everyday language and are easy to understand.
3. Read aloud.
Sometimes all it takes is reading the words aloud to keep yourself from falling asleep. Not only will this help you stay awake, but it will also help you to better remember what you’ve read.
4. Listen to the Bible
If reading aloud isn’t your thing, try listening to the Bible being read. There are plenty of audio versions available online or you can purchase a CD.
5. Read with a friend.
If you have trouble staying focused when reading the Bible alone, try reading with a friend or family member. You can take turns reading aloud and discussing what you’ve read afterwards. This is also a great way to deepen your relationship with others while growing in your faith.
6. Highlight or underline key passages
As you’re reading, highlight or underline passages that stand out to you. This will help you remember what you’ve read and refer back to it later.
7. Stay hydrated
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help to keep you awake and focused. Dehydration is one of the main causes of feeling tired, so keep sipping water while you are reading the Bible to avoid feeling sleepy.
8. Get enough rest
If you aren’t getting enough sleep then you are going to feel tired regardless of what you are doing. Make sure you are getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night so that you can be well-rested and alert during the day.
9. Don’t read the Bible in bed
If you’re trying to read the Bible while lying in bed, your brain is likely to start sending you signals that it’s time to sleep. Instead, find a comfortable chair or sofa to sit in while you read.
10. Use good lighting
Make sure you are reading in a well-lit room so that your eyes don’t have to strain. This will help you to stay awake and focused on the words in front of you.
11. Set realistic expectations
If you’re trying to read the Bible from cover to cover in a short period of time, you’re likely to get overwhelmed and discouraged. Instead, set realistic goals for yourself and take your time reading through the Bible.
12. Join a Bible study group
If you want to explore the Bible in more depth, consider joining a Bible study group. This is a great way to learn from others and deepen your understanding of Scripture.
13. Get some exercise
Exercise is a great way to wake yourself up and get your blood flowing. Try going for a walk, run, or bike ride before settling down to read the Bible.
14. Adjust your diet
Eating sugary foods or drinks before reading the Bible is likely to make you feel sleepy. Instead, try eating a healthy snack or drink like fruits or vegetables, nuts, or water.
15. Pray for focus
Before you start reading, take a few moments to pray and ask God for help in staying focused. He knows your struggles and is more than willing to help you overcome them.
16. Take breaks
If you find yourself getting sleepy, take a short break and walk around or do something else to wake yourself up. Reading for long periods of time can be tiring, so it’s important to give your mind and body a break every now and then.
17. Don’t give up
Even if you struggle to stay interested in the Bible, don’t give up. God’s Word is worth reading, no matter how difficult it may be. Keep trying and you’ll find that the more you read, the easier it becomes.
Conclusion: Why do you get sleepy reading the Bible?
We hope this post has helped explain why you might feel sleepy after reading the Bible. It’s not because God is boring or the Scriptures are dull, but because our brains naturally process information more slowly when it’s presented in a text format. This doesn’t mean that we should avoid reading the Bible – on the contrary, taking the time to read and reflect on Scripture can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial. But if you find yourself nodding off while trying to read your Bible, don’t worry – you’re definitely not alone!