You Are Not a Machine: A Practical Guide on Sleep, Faith, and Rest | Dr. Benjamin Long episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 20, 2026 · 48 MIN

You Are Not a Machine: A Practical Guide on Sleep, Faith, and Rest | Dr. Benjamin Long

from Soul Sense with Mark Verkler · host Samaritan's Well

What if your sleepless nights weren't something to fight — but an invitation to connect with God?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Benjamin Long, a dual board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatrician, to explore the science and spirituality of sleep. Dr. Ben walks us through his "Sleepless Night Rules," the surprising connection between REM sleep and mental health, why you are not a machine, and how the Christian faith offers a uniquely powerful framework for finding rest.Whether you're a clock-watcher, a midnight mechanic, or just someone who can't turn their brain off at night — this conversation is for you.Topics covered:- The stages of sleep and why they matter- How anxiety and the illusion of control wreck your sleep- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)- Sleep medications — what you should actually know- How to see the night as sacred space📖 Check out Dr. Ben's book, Sleep Habits Journal: Practices, Prayers, and Devotions to Ease Your Sleepless Nights at 👉 https://www.sleephabitsjournal.com/👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light.Thanks for joining us for this podcast! For more information on counseling, resources, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at [email protected]. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT

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You Are Not a Machine: A Practical Guide on Sleep, Faith, and Rest | Dr. Benjamin Long

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