Sleeping is a blessing that Allah has bestowed on humankind. It is essential for our body. The deprivation of sleep leads to innumerable physical and mental ailments throughout our lifetime.

We tend to get distracted by anything and everything. Our devices, social activities, responsibilities, even our own thoughts and thus, tend to cut our sleeping hours. We often forget to treat our body with the respect it needs.

Allah says,

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ مَنَامُكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱبْتِغَآؤُكُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ

And of His signs is your sleep by night and day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that are signs for a people who listen.

[Surah Ar-Rum 20:23]

Sleeping patterns of a Muslim are influenced by the prayer timings. Therefore it is highly encouraged to sleep and wake up early. However, the timings of prayers are different depending on the seasons and locations.

The Importance of Sleep

 Mental and Emotional Well Being

• Sufficient sleep improves brain activity.
• Aids in learning and concentration.
• Enhances problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Sleep deficiency has adverse effects, it has been linked to memory loss, depression, loss of control over emotions, and risk-taking behavior. Digital addiction is stale news, as adults, we are also prey to our gadgets and devices. However, sleep deficient children may encounter more serious developmental issues. Increased mood swings, impulsive behavior, lack of concentration, and unknown stress.

Physical Well Being

• Sleeping well aids the immune system to keep you healthy.
• Maintains a healthy balance of hormones in the body.
• Healthy sleep and sleeping habits aid in better development for growing children.

Insufficient sleep is linked to heart conditions and high blood pressure. The hormone imbalance caused by irregular and insufficient sleeping patterns affects growing children as well. It can lead to weaker immune systems and disrupted bodily functions, like unhealthy eating, and digestive problems.

Types of Sleep

Noum, the Arabic word for sleep, and its derivatives are mentioned 9 times in the Quran. Different stages of sleep hold significance in modern science as well.

1. Sinah
Sinah can be described as slumber or dozing off for a short while. The body is not particularly relaxed and can be awakened by the slightest disturbance.

2. Nu’ass
Nu’ass can be described as a state when the body and muscles start relaxing and the brain waves and patterns change. However, the brain is not entirely relaxed and is still in the early stages of the sleep cycle.

The Quran mentions sleep (Nu’ass), describing how it is security from Allah for His believers during a period of fear and stress.

إِذْ يُغَشِّيكُمُ ٱلنُّعَاسَ أَمَنَةً مِّنْهُ وَيُنَزِّلُ عَلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً لِّيُطَهِّرَكُم بِهِۦ وَيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمْ رِجْزَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ وَلِيَرْبِطَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتَ بِهِ ٱلْأَقْدَامَ

[Remember] when He overwhelmed you with drowsiness [giving] security from Him and sent down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you and remove from you the evil [suggestions] of Satan and to make steadfast your hearts and plant firmly thereby your feet.

[Surah Al-Anfal 8:11]

3. Ru’qood
Ru’qood can be best described as sleeping for a long period or extended period.

4. Ho’joo
Ho’joo is described for sleeping at night, yet, it is referenced to pious believers who sleep little at night and spend more of their time in prayer and remembering Allah.

5. Su’baat
Su’baat can be described as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep according to modern. This is the time when the body repairs and heals itself that is caused daily due to fatigue and exertions.

6. Qai’lullah
Qai’lullah or Midday nap is also highly practiced by many. Majorly a practice preferred by the Prophet ﷺ.

It was narrated that Anas said:

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا الْمُعْتَمِرُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا حُمَيْدٌ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، قَالَ كُنَّا نُجَمِّعُ ثُمَّ نَرْجِعُ فَنَقِيلُ ‏.‏

We used to perform the Friday (prayer), then we would return for a nap (Qailulah).

[Sunan Ibn Majah, no 1102]

Do You Sleep Enough?

Do you think you give your body the rest that Allah has in many forms asked of you?

Practice these little habits to aid your resting time,

• Perform wudu before sleeping
• Make your bed
• Lie on the right side while you sleep
• Switch off the lights
• Take naps

Close your eyes and take a break from your screens!