The necessity for sleep is obvious, for thereby man
gives rest to his tired brain, restores the vigour of his body. And fits him
once more for the labours of the coming day. It is a gentle consoler, often
having the power to drive away the sorrows of the wretched and banish the pain
of those who lie in torture upon a bed of sickness. Though universally beloved
as a great blessing, it is a mysterious thing. In moments of thoughtfulness, it
is impossible to reflect without surprise that man resigns himself to sleep so
carelessly and cheerfully. He enters a state of oblivion from which he may
never awake, and deliberately loses consciousness of his surroundings. Though
knowing that he is deaf to any danger that may approach.
Sleep is akin to death and suggests its terrors,
hut may it not by its very affinity furnish consolation? When men are too
toil-worm and weary to work, more desire of all things, but slumber, passes
away from them. And their happiness consists in sinking peacefully to rest.
Perhaps, in this same way, when the body is enfeebled. The mind inactive, and
man is no longer able to play’ his part on this world’s stage, the longings of
this life will vanish, and he will contentedly welcome to embrace of death and
slumber, as a weary child in the arms of its mother.
Most pitiable is the condition of those who are
unable to sleep, whether the inability comes from physical pain which will not
allow the body to rest, or from sorrow or remorse which banishes from the mind
its natural healer. Pain indeed is one of the commonest causes of
sleeplessness. Excessive fatigue. Or idleness. Also will often cause long and
dreary nights. And one. Those who have suffered thus, a realize with what
intense impatience the coming of the dawn in awaited.
The injuries that sleeplessness is responsible for,
are many and far-reaching in their effects. When mind and body cannot rest. They
cannot recuperate or restore their shattered energies. They grow feebler and feebler,
until at length the mind ceases to perform it. Functions and the man become
mad. ‘The body is not so quick’ affected. But continuous absence of sleep will
gradually take away and finally destroy its power. A healthy man does not
suffer from this evil. It is necessary, therefore, to keep body and mind sound
and healthy. They should both be made to work, the harder the better, so long
as they are not subjected to over-fatigue. Only wholesome food should be eaten,
and that in moderation. Rational amusements should be cultivated, which will
chase away worry and trouble and prevent unnecessary brooding. Vice and
over-indulgence in any form should be avoided, and all important is the
maintenance of regular habits.