To Forgive Is To Sleep

Are you someone who struggles with a racing mind that keeps you up at night? Do you find yourself replaying past hurts and holding onto grudges long after they've happened? If so, you may be interested in exploring the power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness has been found to have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and increased feelings of well-being. And while forgiveness can be a challenging process, it's one that's worth considering for those looking to improve their sleep and overall quality of life.

Forgiveness Is Important To Your Sleep

Forgiveness has been found to have a significant impact on sleep quality. When we hold onto anger, resentment, or bitterness towards others, it can lead to rumination and negative thinking patterns that keep us awake at night. By letting go of these negative emotions and forgiving those who have wronged us, we can free up mental space for more positive and peaceful thoughts, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

One study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that forgiveness was associated with better sleep quality and less sleep disturbance in adults. Another study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that forgiveness was associated with lower levels of stress and greater feelings of well-being, both of which are important for getting a good night's sleep.

Forgiveness Can Be Challenging

Despite the numerous benefits of forgiveness, it can be a challenging process. When we've been wronged, it's natural to want to hold onto our anger and resentment. We may feel like forgiving someone lets them off the hook for their actions, or that it means we're condoning what they did.

However, forgiveness doesn't mean we're excusing or forgetting what someone did. It simply means we're choosing to let go of our negative emotions towards them and move forward with our lives in a more positive and peaceful way.

 

Steps for Practicing Forgiveness

If you're interested in practicing forgiveness to improve your sleep and overall well-being, here are some steps you can take:

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It's important to recognize and validate the hurt and pain you've experienced. Allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with the hurt and be willing to explore them.

Let Go

Holding onto grudges only serves to hurt you in the long run. Practice letting go of your negative emotions towards those who have wronged you, even if it's a little bit at a time.

Practice Empathy

Try to see the situation from the other person's perspective. This doesn't mean you have to excuse their behavior, but it can help you understand their motivations and ultimately, help you move towards forgiveness.

Forgive Yourself

Forgiveness towards oneself is just as crucial as forgiving others. Many people find it difficult to let go of the guilt or shame they may feel for past mistakes or regrets. Holding onto these negative emotions can cause an increased level of stress and anxiety.

Consider Therapy

Forgiveness can be a challenging process, and it's okay to seek the help of a therapist or counselor to work through your emotions and find a path towards forgiveness.


Forgiveness can be a powerful tool for those looking to improve their sleep and overall quality of life. While it's not always easy, the benefits are numerous and far-reaching. By practicing forgiveness, we can let go of negative emotions and create more mental space for positive and peaceful thoughts, ultimately leading to better sleep and greater well-being. Remember to be kind to yourself throughout the forgiveness process, and don't be afraid to seek help if you need it.

For more sleep tips, see our guide to help Calm Your Mind For Better Sleep.