New Studies Show Why Rest Is So Important

Several recent studies have shown that being well-rested makes a person more altruistic. After experiencing a sleepless night, study participants were less likely to help others than after a good night of sleep. Researchers also analyzed giving patterns throughout the year and found that people gave 10% less money during the week of daylight savings after losing an hour of sleep.

Another study from the Paris Brain Institute revealed why we feel fatigued after thinking hard for long periods of time. Mental strain causes the build-up of a compound called glutamate in the front of our brains. An overload of glutamate can lead to avoiding mentally difficult tasks, like decision making. The study found that when faced with two decisions, mentally exhausted study participants chose the lower-cost decision that led to immediate payoff.

Our gracious God established the seventh day of creation week as a day of rest, knowing that it would be necessary for both our good and his glory. When we rest, we practice good stewardship of our bodies and minds—and we can more effectively serve others.

Article was taken from Answers magazine, January–March, 2023.