A watershed British study on a large sample of 401 men and women found those who express thoughts of gratitude prior to retiring go to sleep more quickly, improve their sleep quality and duration, and enhance their daytime performance. These results were independent of the “Big Five” personality traits supporting the idea that pre-sleep thoughts do influence what happens during the night.
Grateful people tend to have a positive orientation toward life, focus on the good in their environment, and appreciate their possessions and relationships. Generally, they are happy people. Do they sleep better because they are happy, or are they happy because they get better sleep? This study indicates that an attitude of gratitude improves sleep.
Maybe in the future being grateful will become the treatment of choice for insomnia. Solomon was on to something when he wrote in Proverbs 17:22 (The Message), “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.”
PositiveTip: Chase the blues away by focusing on the positive and good things in your life.