When Sleep Won't Come - by Matt Rehrer (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Our struggles with sleep impact every area of life, from physical and spiritual health to emotional well-being and thinking clearly. When Sleep Won't Come approaches sleep from both physiological and biblical angles to help us understand our bodies' physical rhythms and needs and to show how God uses sleep and sleeplessness to reveal his grace and care. Sleep is not just a complex biological rhythm of the body but a spiritual rhythm of the soul and a divine gift that reveals our human limitations and dependence on God.

Dr. Rehrer shares his personal experiences with sleep challenges and provides readers with tools to better understand their sleep patterns, manage stress, and find rest in the God who never sleeps. With clarity and compassion, he explains how sleep works, why it often fails, and what our restless nights reveal about both our bodies and our souls.

Taking a holistic approach, the book explores the purpose of sleep, common causes of sleeplessness, and practical solutions for overcoming sleep struggles. It offers actionable guidance for caring for the body, improving sleep habits, and creating a restful environment, while also providing a framework for prayer and Scripture meditation to help readers find hope and true rest in God during sleepless nights.

Review Quotes

"One of the major battles of my adult life has been the battle to simply get a good night's rest. I have tried very nearly every strategy and technique there is, except for reading a distinctly Christian book on the subject. I was pleased to learn that in this book, Matt Rehrer brings both medical and theological expertise to the matter. He addresses the whole person and offers a whole solution. And for that reason, I can give this book the praise that only a writer on this subject wants to hear: Read this book, because it may just put you to sleep."
Tim Challies, Author, Seasons of Sorrow

"For something that will occupy nearly one-third of our lives, it is remarkable how little thoughtful attention is given to sleep. Thankfully, Dr. Matt Rehrer helps fill that gap. With clarity, wisdom, and experienced care, he skillfully weaves together the science of sleep and the theology that gives it meaning. Rehrer offers far more than practical guidance for better rest; he reminds us that sleep is one of God's daily invitations to relinquish control, embrace our creaturely limits, and trust the God who faithfully watches over us day and night. Read, rest, and sleep!"
Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director, CCEF; author of Grounded in Grace

"God gave the night for our good because we need it. Yet, we do not realize the importance of sleep until it's gone. Sleep can be a major contributing factor compounding our problems in daily living, or it can be a revealing symptom of inner wrestlings of the soul. Matt Rehrer has his finger on the pulse of the mystery of sleep by contributing a multifaceted explanation for what can make sleep so elusive. He introduces us to copious amounts of Scripture that provides insightful, informative, and practical wisdom regarding sleep! Matt Rehrer's work offers discernment and hope for those who wrestle quietly in the dark for genuine rest."
Dale Johnson, Executive Director, ACBC

"As a physician who's weathered sleepless nights and as a follower of Christ stirred to wakefulness in a fallen world, I'm so grateful for When Sleep Won't Come. Dr. Rehrer offers the winsomeness, medical knowledge, and biblical wisdom characteristic of his prior work that blends practical guidance with Scriptural counsel. Open, read, and find not only help for your long nights in the dark, but also vital reminders of our promised rest in Christ."
Kathryn Butler, MD, Author of Glimmers of Grace: A Doctor's Reflections on Faith, Suffering, and the Goodness of God

"Sleep. We think little of this thing we do so much. Thank God for Dr. Matt Rehrer's impressive grasp of medicine, Scripture, and the human body. Clear, winsome, biblical, and practical, this book turns our attention to the wonder of God's design for slumber and invites moments of worship along the way. If you struggle to sleep--or love someone who does--this book would be a timely gift."
Dave Harvey, President, Great Commission Collective; author of When Sinners Say I Do and The Clay Pot Conspiracy

"Matt Rehrer is a rare combination of doctor and pastor. His dual vocation gives this book a unique blend of medical research, biblical truth, and pastoral care. The insights abound. Yet for all his skill, Matt knows what we need most--a Good Shepherd for all our sleepless nights and weary days."
Gunner Gundersen, Dean of Faculty, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation

"I thought that I knew the Bible well, but I as I read this book, I was overwhelmed with how much God's Word has to say about sleep. The combination of Matt's medical knowledge and the wisdom he draws from Scripture makes this a uniquely helpful book addressing an important topic. Reading it also led me to praise God for how he gives our bodies rest and refreshment. I plan to share it with many counselees, family members, and friends."
Jim Newheiser, Professor of Christian Counseling and Pastoral Theology and Director of the Christian Counseling Program, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte; author of Do I Need Boundaries?

"Sleep isn't only biological; sleep is also spiritual. Rehrer orients sleep first around the character of God as Maker and Designer, offering a God-centered approach to the topic. While incorporating his medical background and robust theology, Rehrer helps bring worship to God and true refreshment to his people in this book."
Greg E. Gifford, Assistant Dean, The Master's University; fellow, Fortis Institute; executive director, Transformed Biblical Counseling Centers

"When Sleep Won't Come is an excellent resource that offers good medical information and sound scriptural principles to help those who struggle with sleep. As a family physician and counselor, I know this book will be a great resource to help patients who just wish they could get a good night's sleep. I highly recommend this book!"
Charles Hodges, MD, Family Physician; counselor, Hope Biblical Counseling Ministry; instructor, Faith Biblical Counseling Ministry; editor of The Christian Counselors Medical Desk Reference

"This is the book I've been waiting for! As one who has struggled for years with getting quality sleep, these pages were a balm for my weary soul. I was encouraged to pray for and prepare for better sleep while also being challenged to look to God in the midst of a sleepless night. Who better to write this book than someone who is both a physician and a pastor? Dr. Rehrer has offered up solid biblical and medical advice as someone who has helped many with sleep and also struggled with it himself. If you struggle with sleep or know someone who does, do yourself a favor--get a copy for yourself and for them. You won't be disappointed!"
Dave Furman, Chancellor, Gulf Theological Seminary; author of Being There: Embracing God in Your Suffering and The Surprising Savior

"When Sleep Won't Come is a gift to the weary! Dr. Rehrer treats sleeplessness with medical clarity, pastoral gentleness, and deep personal understanding. He quietly reorients the readers' understanding of the nature of sleep while exploring the related physical, contextual, emotional, and spiritual factors. After reading this, you may still find yourself metaphorically counting sheep, but you will do so with the grace, patience, and the companionship of the Good Shepherd."
Lisa LaGeorge, Senior Director, Children's Hunger Fund; author of Single Together: Stewarding Singleness in the Family of God

About the Author

Matt Rehrer, MD, is an emergency medicine physician in the San Francisco Bay Area and also serves as a pastor at NorthCreek Church. He is the author of Redeeming Memory and a contributor to The Christian Counselor's Medical Desk Reference. He and his wife, Kara, have three children.