A recent German study is considered the first hard evidence to show that creativity and problem-solving abilities are linked to adequate sleep, scientists say. This is good news for overtired workers and students—sleep often is the best medicine.

Scientists at the University of Luebeck in Germany found that volunteers taking a simple math test after eight hours of sleep were three times more likely than sleep-deprived participants to figure out a hidden rule for converting the numbers into the right answer. Researchers concluded that sleep makes a huge difference in mental performance. The results "give us good reason to fully respect our periods of sleep—especially given the current trend to recklessly curtail them," they said. Findings were reported in the journal Nature (source: Associated Press, Jan. 21, 2004).

Overwork, anxiety and fears often keep us from sound sleep. But having faith in God and keeping our priorities straight can help us keep our lives in balance. "Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:1-2).