Is there a connection between prayer and improved sleep quality? Research suggests yes, with studies showing that regular prayer and spiritual practices often lead to better rest by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
People who pray frequently report higher overall sleep quality compared to those who do not. For instance, adults attending religious services more than once a week have better sleep than those who rarely go, according to a review of spiritual practices and healthhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731188/. Prayer seems to work by easing psychological distress, boosting a sense of purpose, and lowering physical tension, all of which help the body unwind at night.
One study found that spiritual well-being links directly to improved sleep in patients with chronic illnesseshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731188/. Belief in divine control and regular prayer also correlate with fewer sleep problems. In fact, religious doubts can worsen sleep, while consistent prayer buffers against stress from tough life events.
A spiritual care program tested on hemodialysis patients improved their sleep quality alongside better treatment adherencehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12703117/. Prayer with focused attention strengthens brain areas for emotion control and self-regulation, much like mindfulness, leading to calmer nightshttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1717898/full.
Some reports claim praying for peace before bed boosts restful sleep by 38 percent, citing Harvard research, though details varyhttps://blesswise.com/good-evening-blessings/. Related practices like chanting or mindful recitation activate brain regions that support relaxation and better focus, indirectly aiding sleephttps://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wcs.70018?af=R.
These effects may come from prayer’s role in slowing breathing, shifting focus from worries, and fostering positive views of daily challenges.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731188/
https://blesswise.com/good-evening-blessings/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1717898/full
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12703117/
https://www.aol.com/articles/keep-brain-young-safeguard-sleep-160000606.html
https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wcs.70018?af=R
https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2025/6/63432.pdf
