Science confirms it: Sabbath is good for your brain

For those who believe the Bible was inspired by God, the fact that science often ends up supporting biblical claims is no surprise. Now neuroscience research published in August has shown that taking a day of rest each week results in great mental health benefits.

BioMed Central (BMC) conducted a public health study investigating “whether Jewish religious lifestyle, particularly Sabbath observance, affects habitual sleep–wake patterns in late adulthood.”

After studying 473 Israeli adults between May 2022 and February 2023, researchers discovered that keeping the Sabbath, or Shabbat in Hebrew, contributed to better sleep and less fatigue during the week, as well as generally improved mental health – regardless of religious observance.

Rest, sleep, and connection with others results in a strengthened immune system, improved sleep quality, and more regulated emotions, YNet reports. The mind and body begin a process of healing when given the chance to recharge. We were not designed to be on-the-go 24/7, with our brains constantly whirring. The practice of keeping Shabbat signals to the body that it can stop and go into restoration mode. 

With the onset of the internet we have become constantly accessible, often flitting from one screen to another, never switching off completely. This has a detrimental impact on the body and mind, as we struggle to maintain the breakneck pace of modern life. A steady signal is needed for the body to settle into a restful mode to recuperate, and a full 24 hour stop has a profound effect.

The specific rituals of Judaism are not necessary to experience the neurological benefits of a sabbath rest, but it was found that connecting with family and community, and having a sense of meaning also have distinct and observable health benefits according to YNet.

In the Bible, the Shabbat is at the end of the week and comes as part of the created order, operating like a reset button before a new week starts. The commandment given at Sinai not to do any work results in unproductive time, which is necessary for physical renewal and mental restoration. The Shabbat gives invaluable space and unhurried time to reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and with God, allowing space for reflection. 

While God commanded His people to “put down tools” on Shabbat, it is often in a state of rest that our minds rejuvenate and become more fertile ground for creativity. If running continuously, our brains become more susceptible to anxiety and stress and our nervous system will eventually burn out. 

By marking the beginning of a set time of rest with a ritual, the mind and body recognizes the signal to rest. In Jewish tradition, the Shabbat starts with the lighting of candles on a Friday night, and a family meal together. 

Charlie Kirk, who was murdered on Sept. 12, was friends with Dennis Prager, a Jewish talk show host and writer. “He would always talk about the Shabbat,” Kirk explained. “I found myself after a couple of years of hearing this, getting really jealous of him, being like, "Wait a second, you're able to just unplug for one day and not work and be with friends and family and worship God? I want that!”

He began turning off his devices and focusing on relaxing with his family each week, carving out proper downtime away from his demanding schedule. After seeing the positive impact on his life, he wanted to encourage others to do the same. Before his death, Kirk wrote a book on the subject entitled, “Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life,” which has since been released.

Now neuroscience has confirmed that whether Jewish, Christian, or secular, observing a Shabbat rest is a practice well worth keeping.