We spend about one third of our life in sleep, about eight hours of the 24 hours each day. During sleep, the person becomes unconscious, unaware, and more or less unresponsive to the environment around him, but not completely. Some sense and some parts of the body remain more alert and more in function than others. For example, a sleeper may sleep through a land noise but wake up at the lightest touch. The lungs and heart probably work more slowly during sleep, but the sweat glands and some parts of the brain and nervous system become more active. That is the reason for dreams, sleepwalking or somnambulism and talking in one's sleep.

      Many of the body functions slow during sleep. The body temperature falls; there is muscular relaxation; the heart beats more slowly; blood pressure and pulse rate fall; breathing is slower; secretion from nearly all glands diminishes. Sleep is more than a time of rest and relaxation. It is also a time of recuperation and repair, of growth, and regrowth. This regeneration takes place more rapidly during sleep. Sleep requirements are based on such factors as age, general state of health, current activities, emotional outlook and previous sleeping habits. Rapidly growing infants need more sleep than children; children more than adults. Again in old age, an increase of sleep may be required. Also during a period of recovery from illness or operation, and in some stages of pregnancy, added periods of sleep may be necessary.

      Most adults sleep 6 to 8 hours out of 24. But some need more; a few, less. However, if a person sleeps more than necessary, he fails to get his full measure of living. Can you tell if you are getting enough sleep? Yes, you can. You are getting enough if you wake up in the morning refreshed and ready for the new day. Occational loss of sleep will not have harmful effects, but if this is too often, restlessness and irritability may result. Everyone has occational sleepless nights, usually when there is anxiety, (a great enemy of sleep), but persistent insomnia (sleeplessness) deserves a medical check-up and not just self-medication. Excessive fatigue is sometimes a cause of insomnia---a person may be just too tired to sleep. On the other hand, mild exercise, like a short walk before going to bed, may induce sleep. A priest we know recommends counting beads (Rosru beads) instead of counting sheep, in my case also, watching television makes me sleepy. Other factors that may cause sleeplessness are: too heavy evening meal; hunger; coffee, tea and other stimulants taken late in the day; too hot or too cold room; too noisy or too light; uncomfortable bed.

      Relaxation of mind and muscles is the key to falling sleep. That is why watching TV induces drowsiness. Other technics are: reading, listening to soft music, a warm bath. Never take sleeping pills. Addiction is possible and overdoses can be fatal, especially when taken with alcohol. There is no best position for sleeping. Any position in which you are comfortable will serve in a bed, sitting, squatting like some primitive people, in swings or hammocks.