Today, countless people, including you or your beloved ones, struggle to get enough quality rest. While we (health care professionals) recommend sleep hygiene and medical solutions (under our supervision), spiritual practices such as Quran recitation in Muslim individuals have been increasingly recognized for their calming and restorative effects.

Does Quran help you sleep? How can Quran help you sleep? In this article, we will answer your concerns associated with the latest research evidence.

What is Quran?

Some people do not know what Quran is, so let us define it. Quran is the holy book that is sent from God (Allah), over a period of 23 years, to Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) who is the messenger of the Islamic Religion.

Quran is considered by the Muslims to be the direct word of God (Allah). It serves as the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims in all aspects of life, including spiritual, moral, social, and legal matters.

In the past, Quran was not written on papers until one of the Islamic Righteous Caliphs (presidents of the Islamic Kingdom after Prophet Mohamed) has ordered to be written on papers for the next generations. Currently, you can find Quran as a book or virtual form (application, websites,..etc).

Can the Quran enhance sleep quality and calm the mind?

• In the Islamic religion, the spiritual part of the Muslims’ life is important and Quran is the backbone of such spirit. For centuries, the Quran was one of the major weapons during the hard moments of distress, fear, war,..etc, believing in its ability to calm the mind and heart since it gives the sensation of peace that can combat stress and anxiety.
• Quran recitation before sleep is important for the Muslims as it prevents overthinking of our lives’ problems, such as our work problems, studying, debts,..etc.
• Moreover, fear from the future is common in the recent world and affects many of us. We fear from losing our jobs, illness, wars,..etc. Prophet Mohamed has ordered Muslims to read Quran to help them fight such feelings, as it gives inner peace, coming from the words of God (Allah) for the good ones. Also, it focuses on divine wisdom and finds solace in faith
• Reading is considered one of the important lifestyle behaviors that will help us sleep ¹inucane E, O’Brien A, Treweek S, Newell J, Das K, Chapman S, Wicks P, Galvin S, Healy P, Biesty L, Gillies K. Does reading a book in bed make a difference to sleep in comparison to not reading a book in bed? The People’s Trial—an online, pragmatic, randomised trial. Trials. 2021 Dec;22:1-3. Therefore, some Muslims choose to read Quran instead of books in order to help them sleep and to earn some good deeds or merits.
• Indeed, calm music has been reported to be an effective solution for those who face insomnia (inability to sleep) ²Feng F, Zhang Y, Hou J, Cai J, Jiang Q, Li X, Zhao Q, Li BA. Can music improve sleep quality in adults with primary insomnia? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. International journal of nursing studies. 2018 Jan 1;77:189-96.. Some Muslims choose to listen to Quran on TV, radio,..etc. The soothing tone of a skilled Qari (reciter) can have a meditative effect, helping to slow down the mind and body.
• To our knowledge, the Islamic tradition, comes from Prophet Mohamed, gives a great attention to bedtime rituals, many of which involve Quranic recitation. Actually, it is advisable to read some certain pages of Quran before sleep as a nightly routine in order to feel peace, safety and receiving good deeds.

Some of the most popular include:

Ayat Al-Kursi (The Throne Verse, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255): Known for its protective qualities, this verse is often recited before sleep to seek Allah’s safeguarding throughout the night.

Surah Al-Mulk (Chapter 67): Reciting this chapter is believed to bring blessings.

The last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah: These are said to offer divine protection.

Combining Quran with Sleep Hygiene

As we have pointed above, Quran can be beneficial in helping you sleep. While you can maximize its powerful effects by changing your lifestyle behaviors such as:

• Do exercise to improve your sleep as well as general health. 30 minutes of exercise daily is important, but avoid it before bedtime.
• Ensure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool.
• Use comfortable bedding to enhance physical relaxation.
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily to regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Recite or listen to Quranic verses for 10–15 minutes as part of your nightly routine. Use apps or recordings to access high-quality recitations.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Some people think that Quran alone can heal your sleep problems. This assumption is totally wrong since some medical conditions require a detailed analysis from the health care professionals to know the exact cause of sleep problems. So if you experience persistent insomnia, excessive daytime fatigue, or other sleep-related issues, consult a healthcare professional. Sleep problems may stem from underlying medical conditions that require treatment.

Combining spiritual practices with medical advice ensures a comprehensive approach to sleep health. Don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.

The Quran offers more than spiritual guidance—it is a source of comfort, relaxation, and peace. Its recitation can create an ideal mental and emotional state for sleep, helping individuals manage stress, reduce anxiety, and embrace a sense of tranquility.

By incorporating Quranic practices into your nightly routine and combining them with healthy sleep habits, you can enhance both your spiritual journey and your sleep quality.

Whether through reciting Ayat Al-Kursi, listening to Surah Al-Mulk, or simply reflecting on Quranic wisdom, the words of Allah can be a powerful aid in achieving restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Dr. Amr Ehab, a physician, medical researcher, and PLOS ONE academic editor, founded WellnessRevive to provide science-backed, expert-driven sleep insights. With over 50 published research papers, he simplifies complex medical concepts, ensuring accessible and up-to-date sleep health information. Sleep isn’t just a trend—it’s medicine.