If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep, you're not alone. Millions of adults and teens suffer from sleep deprivation and a variety of sleep disorders.

This adds up to significant economic and personal costs. One study estimates that the "cost to Americans is more than $100 billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave and property and environmental damages" (National Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org).

The problem of sleep is in the news frequently with reports on how lack of sleep promotes obesity, diabetes, driving mistakes and other maladies or on new therapies to help people sleep.

But the spiritual side of sleep seems to get short shrift. Although experts tend to agree that relaxation before bedtime encourages the onset of sleep, the act of prayer and turning sleep over to God isn't specified often.

So here is my contribution to the literature on the problem of sleep:

From the Book of Genesis to Revelation, God is active in both the waking and sleeping lives of his children. He "cast a deep sleep" on Adam when he created Eve (Genesis 2:21-22). He imparted visions to Abram (Genesis 15) and put David's enemies into a deep sleep (1 Samuel 26).

In the New Testament, sleep again illustrates God's ability to work in and through people's lives. An angel comes to Joseph "in a dream" and tells him to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20). The Lord appears to Joseph, again in a dream, to alert him to the danger to Jesus and Mary, and to tell him to take his young family into Egypt for their safety (Matthew 3:13).

Sleep is a vital part of living, and waking is an integral part of being alive in the spirit. Jesus explains that Lazarus is "asleep, but I am going to awaken him" (John 11:11), and in Matthew 9 he explains that the official's daughter is not dead, but rather she is sleeping.

In Scripture, a good night's sleep is associated with peace, a clear conscience and reliance on God's presence.

"In peace I shall both lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me secure" (Psalm 4:9).

"Happy the man who finds wisdom.... When you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:13, 24).

"Do not let the sun set on your anger" (Ephesians 4:26).

We can put these aspects of our faith into practice on the nights we have trouble sleeping.

Honoring our need to sleep is the first step in ensuring we make the most of it. We're not robots; on average adults need from seven to nine hours of sleep to maintain mental acuity and optimal physical function (National Sleep Foundation).

Evening prayer brings a sense of soulful peace and security. So, too, can reading Scripture, praying the rosary and gently letting God's love envelop us.

Resolving disputes before we go to bed helps us cleanse our troubled thoughts and lets us start afresh the next day.

Preparing and maintaining a comfortable, quiet place to sleep will physically support the need to sleep, as will clearing the bedroom of work papers or television.

Some sleep disorders can be serious and need to be addressed medically. Do not hesitate to discuss your particular situation with your physician. But also ask God to be with you "in waking and sleeping."

Instead of counting sheep, count blessings!

Author Maureen Pratt writes from Los Angeles.