Since before the birth of Jesus, God has sent angels down to St. Joseph to relay messages to him in his sleep. These many messages from heaven have consisted of Mary, which name the child (Jesus) should take, and warning about the danger Herod represents. God sent these angels with messages to St. Joseph in the late hours as he slept so that come morning, he could relay those messages and act to protect himself, Mary and Jesus.
Even today God depends on St. Joseph to help relay messages and answers prayers. St. Joseph takes each prayer he receives seriously and works hard to answer them the best possible way.
Write out your prayer requests each evening and place it under the figure. Both God and St. Joseph will be working together while you sleep to answer your prayers. "I have great love for Saint Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!” - Pope Francis