Is Work Stress Causing You To Have Insomnia?

Seven years ago, I went through a very stressful time at work. Instead of improving, my work situation continued to deteriorate month after month. The stress began to take a toll on my health. When I would turn in for the night, I would not be able to fall asleep. For the first time in my life, I developed a serious case of insomnia, which I am convinced was caused by the chronic stress I was experiencing.

As I lay in bed, trying to fall asleep, I would relive negative incidents that had occurred during the previous days. I would replay upsetting conversations in my mind. As I thought about how unfairly I was being treated, I became more agitated and anxious. I wanted to fall asleep. I knew I needed to sleep, but I simply could not fall asleep. If you have ever experienced insomnia, you know how frustrating it can be.

When I finally dozed off, I would wake up too early and not be able to fall back asleep. When the morning finally came, I would feel so tired that I would drink a lot of tea throughout the day in order to “function.” I was cranky and irritable. Unfortunately, I did not consult my family doctor about my sleep problems. Like a lot of people, I viewed going to the doctor as a last resort.

Fortunately, I was able to find a new job. With the love of my family and the power of prayer, I was able to get through this very stressful experience. At the time, we were living in California, so it was necessary for us to travel cross country to our new home in Connecticut. As you can imagine, it was not easy for me to tell our children that we would have to move. However, looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand guiding us. My family and I love living in Connecticut and I am very happy serving as the pastor of my current church.

I share this personal story to reassure you that you do not have to remain in a toxic work environment. Always remember that God loves you and will help you in the midst of your difficult situation. In Jeremiah 29:11, God gives us these encouraging words: “For I know the plans I have you,” declares the Lord, “plans to help you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”