DON’T MURDER SLEEP
“Sleep” is defined as “a condition
of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which
the eyes are closed, the postural muscles relaxed, the activity of the brain
altered, and consciousness of the surroundings practically suspended,”
In simple terms, sleep is rest,
relaxation, recoupment, regaining normal energy, re-acquirement of the ability
and willingness to get re-engaged in one’s daily activities, duties,
responsibilities, etc.
Sleep is not invited. It comes effortlessly.
It is nature’s daily gift throughout one’s existence. It is a temporary phenomenon
every night. The end of life is eternal sleep.
To be sleepless is a curse. It is
anti-life. Adequate undisturbed sleep is indispensible for healthy existence.
People who violate the rules of healthy
and guiltless living fail to get peaceful sleep. Undisturbed and restorative
sleep requires a virtuous style of living. Lord Buddha’s eightfold path is the best one
for having a peaceful mind and rejuvenating sleep. This path demands righteousness
in view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and
concentration.
In the Shakespeare’s play Macbeth , Macbeth himself hears a voice after murdering King Duncan
say, “Me thought I heard a voice cry “Sleep
no more! Macbeth does murder sleep’, the innocent sleep, sleep that knits up
the revell’s sleeve of care, the death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath,
balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course, chief nourisher in life’s
feast. “
He reports this terrifying
experience to his wife, Lady Macbeth, indicating that the deed has left him
unable to sleep and is haunted by his
actions.
To wind up, here is a suggestion. Don’t murder sleep. Live an active
virtuous life and be grateful to God for His blessings including a regular
sound sleep. Go to bed with a prayer on your lips for a peaceful night’s sleep.
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G.R.Kanwal
26 August 2025
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