The Benefits of Sleep

In our fast-paced world, restful sleep has become increasingly elusive. While modern science explores the physiological roles of sleep, traditional healing systems like Unani Tibb and the Prophetic Sunnah offer timeless wisdom about sleep’s deeper purpose and the spiritual, emotional, and environmental practices that support it. Together, these perspectives remind us that sleep is not merely a biological event - but a sacred rhythm of restoration.  

The Modern Sleep Crisis: Why So Many Can’t Fall Asleep

Today, millions of people struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. Some common contributing factors include:

• Mental Overstimulation: Excessive thinking, multitasking, and constant digital engagement heat up and dry out the brain.
• Blue Light & Social Media: Phones and screens suppress melatonin production and delay the natural onset of sleep.
• Late Nights & Disrupted Rhythms: Irregular schedules disconnect us from the body’s internal clock.
• Stress, Caffeine, and Heavy Evening Routines: These interfere with the nervous system’s ability to calm down and prepare for rest.  

Modern Science: What Sleep Does for the Body

Research confirms that sleep is essential for:

• Brain Repair & Memory: During deep sleep, the brain consolidates memories and flushes out toxins.
• Hormonal Balance: Sleep regulates cortisol, insulin, and melatonin - key for stress, metabolism, and rest.
• Immune Strength: Deep sleep enhances immune defense by promoting cytokine production.
• Heart & Metabolic Health: Consistent sleep supports healthy blood pressure and weight regulation.  

Unani Tibb: Cooling the Brain, Restoring Balance

In Unani medicine, sleep (Nawm) is a vital component of the Six Essential Factors (Asbāb-e-Sitta Zarūrīya) for health. One core principle is the cold and moist temperament of the brain (Mizāj Dimāgh). When the brain is overheated by stress, thinking, overwork, or emotional stimulation, it becomes dry and hot - leading to restlessness and insomnia. The remedy is to cool, moisten, and relax the brain through gentle habits, calming foods, and a serene sleep environment. Sleep is when your body finally switches to its “rest and digest” mode - aka the parasympathetic state - where it gets busy breaking down dinner and taking out the cellular waste. In Unani Medicine, a truly healthy person is someone whose internal housekeeping is so efficient that they wake up ready to greet the day and the bathroom. In fact, a good strong morning bowel movement is basically your gut’s way of giving you a standing ovation for sleeping well and digesting right!

Unani Sleep Remedies:

• Coriander Seed Tea: Naturally cooling and calming for the brain. Drinking it 1–2 hours before bed can gradually improve sleep patterns.
• Herbal Aids: Depending on temperament, teas like chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, turmeric-ginger latte, dandelion tea or warm milk help restore balance.  

The Prophetic Lifestyle: Sleep as Sunnah and Worship

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ modeled a deeply balanced approach to sleep that is both spiritual and physiologically wise.

• Early to Sleep: After Isha, the Prophet ﷺ would encourage retiring for the night rather than staying up in idle talk or distraction.
• Waking for Tahajjud: Rising in the last third of the night for prayer promotes spiritual clarity and aligns with melatonin peaks and natural sleep cycles.  
• Midday Nap (Qailulah): A short nap after Dhuhr renews energy and protects against burnout.
• Dhikr and Quran before Sleep: Reciting Qur’an (like Surah Al-Mulk, Ayat al-Kursi) and engaging in evening Dhikr calms the heart and prepares the soul for peaceful sleep.
• Right Side Sleeping: The Prophet ﷺ preferred sleeping on his right side, which supports the heart and digestion.  

Tips for Deep, Healing Sleep

A Daily Wind-Down Routine Restful sleep begins long before bedtime. Here is a holistic approach rooted in both tradition and science:  

• Start Preparing at 7:00 PM Avoid overstimulation: No heavy mental work, workouts, or emotional conversations.
• Light dinner: Eat a wholesome meal 2–3 hours before sleeping - avoid fried, spicy, or heavy foods.
• Disconnect from Screens: Power down devices at least one hour before bed.
• Gentle Herbal Teas: Sip calming drinks such as: Coriander seed tea – cooling for the brain Lavender or chamomile – relaxing Lemon balm or dandelion – digestive and calming Turmeric-ginger latte – anti-inflammatory, grounding
• Wind Down Spiritually and Mentally - Pray Isha early, and set the mindset to sleep soon after.
• Create a cool, peaceful sleep space - dim lighting, fresh air, and quiet.
• Practice Dhikr and gratitude in bed - let your last thoughts be of Allah’s mercy.
• Sleep Environment - Keep the room cool - remember, the brain is a cold organ, and a cooler environment supports deeper sleep. Use soft, breathable fabrics, and eliminate noise or light disturbances.  

Conclusion

Reclaiming Sleep as Sacred Restoration In both modern and traditional systems, the verdict is clear: sleep is healing. But it is more than just a health tool - it is also a form of worship, a spiritual reset, and a return to fitrah (natural alignment). The Qur’an, Prophetic Sunnah, and Unani Tibb all call us to restore sleep to its rightful place: a nightly surrender to Divine mercy, a time when the body heals, the soul resets, and the mind finds peace. In a world of hustle and hyperstimulation, choosing to wind down, disconnect, and prepare for sacred rest is a powerful act of self-care - and ultimately, of submission to Allah’s natural design.