How to Fall Asleep Faster?
A peaceful sleep refreshes not only the body but also the soul. In today’s world, people often seek the answer to the question, “How do you get to sleep quicker?” through modern science. However, the Risale-i Nur Collection offers a much deeper and more spiritual perspective. According to Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, sleep is not merely a biological need but also a state of rest and contemplation for the soul.
Understanding the Types and Timing of Sleep
In the Risale-i Nur, sleep is divided into three types (nev’): Gaylûle, Feylûle, and Kaylûle.
Gaylûle: Sleep taken after sunrise, during the late morning period, is said to negatively affect the abundance of sustenance.
Feylûle: Sleep between the afternoon (Asr) and evening (Maghrib) prayers is mentioned as something that can diminish one’s lifespan and productivity.
Kaylûle: A short nap taken between mid-morning (Duha) and early afternoon. This sleep is a Sunnah (Prophetic practice) and is regarded as a means to increase both lifespan and sustenance.
Bediüzzaman stated, “Kaylûle is equal to two hours of night sleep.” Taking a short kaylûle during the day balances the body and helps the mind settle more easily at night. Thus, the answer to how do you get to sleep quicker lies in maintaining a properly timed and balanced sleep routine.
The Concept of Short and Productive Sleep
The Collection advises that sleep should be short but of high quality. “Natural sleep is five hours.” Excessive sleep reduces both lifespan and energy. A person who sleeps little but is spiritually peaceful can remain energetic. This understanding focuses on the quality of sleep rather than its duration. This principle also coincides with the modern concept of “efficient sleep.” Therefore, when looking for an answer to the question of how do you get to sleep quicker, considering the spiritual measure of sleep increases mental peace.
Peace of Mind: Prayer, Remembrance, and Contemplation
The Risale-i Nur recommends calming the mind before sleep. Prayer, remembrance, and contemplation before sleep create peace in the heart. Worldly thoughts that occupy the heart give way to a feeling of surrender. Bediüzzaman Said Nursi says, “Peace of heart brings peace of body.” A few minutes of contemplation before sleep is the simplest yet most effective answer to the question, “How do you get to sleep quicker?” Because a person whose heart finds tranquility easily drifts off to sleep.
From the Sleep of Negligence to True Awakening
The concept of “the sleep of negligence” frequently appears in the Risale-i Nur. This is more of a spiritual drowsiness than physical sleep. When a person strays from the truth, they may appear “awake” but are spiritually asleep. Therefore, before sleep, one must turn to the truth, take stock of the day, examine the self, and purify the heart. Such preparation both purifies the soul and brings peace to the body. This approach also offers a spiritual answer to the question, “How do you get to sleep quicker?”
Sleeping Peacefully at Night with Kaylûle
In Risale-i Nur, Kaylûle sleep is directly related to the blessings of the night. A short kaylûle during the day deepens nighttime sleep. Modern psychology also states that short daytime naps refresh the mind. This balance is in accordance with both the Sunnah and human nature. Bediüzzaman Said Nursi says, “Those who take Kaylûle find it easier to rise for night prayers.” This shows that religious and biological rhythms are in harmony. How does regular daytime rest answer the question of how to fall asleep faster at night?
The Discipline of Spiritual Sleep in the Light of Risale-i Nur
The Risale-i Nur Collection views sleep not merely as a state of rest, but as a blessing that prompts contemplation of Allah’s power. Sleep is a kind of “little death,” and waking up in the morning is like a resurrection. Acting with this awareness, one experiences sleep with a sense of worship, which brings spiritual peace. Ultimately, how can you fall asleep faster? The Risale-i Nur’s answer to this question can be summarized as follows: sleep at the right time (observe Kaylûle), sleep little but efficiently, prepare spiritually, and stay away from heedlessness.
To explore the deeper meanings of Tawhid, life, and Qayyumiyyah in one of the most profound verses of the Qur’an, read our previous blog post titled “The Reality of Ayat al-Kursi: Tawhid, Life, and Qayyumiyyah.”