Is Night Sleep Better or Day Sleep?

The Holy Quran does not explicitly state that “night sleep is better than day sleep” in a comparative sense that would imply one is absolutely superior to the other. Rather, the Quran elucidates the divine wisdom and natural order in the creation and purpose of night and day for human beings. It clearly delineates night as a time for rest, tranquility, and covering (libas), and day as a time for striving, seeking livelihood, and sight. This division is not meant to entirely negate sleeping during the day or staying awake at night, but rather to define the primary and dominant role of each period, which is meticulously planned for humanity's well-being and prosperity. The main goal of this division is to create balance and harmony in human life with the natural cycle of existence. In Surah An-Naba, verse 9, Allah states: “And We made your sleep a rest (subātā).” The word “subātā” signifies a cessation of activity for rejuvenation and tranquility. While this verse refers to sleep generally, the subsequent verse (10) clarifies: “And We made the night a covering (libāsā).” This “covering” aspect of the night refers to its enveloping darkness and serenity, which naturally draws humans away from daily activities and provides an opportunity for deep rest and solitude. This clearly indicates that night is the natural and primary time for profound relaxation and restorative sleep, allowing the body and mind to recharge optimally for the following day's activities. During this period, the body can best prepare itself for the next day's activities. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 47, we read: “And it is He who made for you the night as a covering and sleep a rest, and made the day a resurrection (for activity).” This verse explicitly links sleep with night and activity with day. “Nushūrā” implies dispersal, rising, and readiness for activity. This divine system showcases Allah’s profound wisdom in regulating the human life cycle. The human body is naturally synchronized with the night and day cycle; hormones, body temperature, and other physiological processes are regulated to achieve maximum benefit from sleep at night and peak efficiency during the day. Deep, quality sleep in the darkness of the night is crucial for cellular regeneration, strengthening the immune system, consolidating memory, and maintaining mental and emotional balance. This synchronization with the diurnal rhythm, known as the Circadian Rhythm, is of paramount importance for health and well-being. On the other hand, Surah Ar-Rum, verse 23, mentions: “And among His signs is your sleep by night and day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that are signs for a people who listen.” This verse acknowledges sleep both at night and during the day, indicating that daytime sleep is also part of Allah’s signs and is not inherently condemned. However, as derived from the context of other verses, daytime sleep is generally referred to as a short, supplementary rest (like a midday nap or “qaylūlah,” which is even recommended in the prophetic tradition and whose medical benefits are now confirmed) or for individuals with specific work shifts, rather than a substitute for the primary night sleep. This type of short nap can help rejuvenate energy and increase productivity throughout the day without disrupting the main sleep-wake cycle. The Quran’s answer to this question emphasizes order and balance. Night is designated for rest, and day for work. This balance helps maintain physical and mental health and enhances productivity. If a person disrupts this natural order by consistently staying awake at night and sleeping during the day, their body may suffer from disturbances and become susceptible to various ailments. Daylight, especially natural sunlight, plays a vital role in regulating the body’s biological clock (circadian rhythm). Exposure to light during the day and its absence at night aids in the timely production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) and improves sleep quality. Therefore, from the Quranic perspective, the best form of sleep is that which aligns with the primary purpose of night, which is rest and tranquility, and the primary purpose of day, which is activity and striving. This not only contributes significantly to physical health but also to mental and spiritual well-being, as disrupting this order can lead to stress, anxiety, and reduced concentration. This divine system is designed not just for humans but for the entire cosmos. The moon and the sun, the movement of the Earth and stars, all operate in a precise and purposeful order. Humans, as part of this universe, can live optimally by following this natural order. Disrupting this order, such as sleeping during the day and staying awake at night, can have adverse consequences for physical and mental health. Many modern ailments, including sleep disorders, depression, cardiovascular problems, obesity, and diabetes, are linked in some way to the disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm. Hence, the Quran’s wisdom in emphasizing the use of night for rest and day for activity serves as a comprehensive guide for a healthy and productive lifestyle. This is not a restriction but a mercy and a sign of divine grace, allowing humanity to achieve true health and tranquility by harmonizing themselves with nature, and at the same time, to fulfill their worldly duties in the best possible way and be grateful for Allah's blessings.