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THe Subject of Sleep is not the Heart, as Aristotle hath asserted; but the Brain, as Galen: for to that we make our applicati∣ons in cases of too much Sleep, as in the Lethargy, or of too little, as in Phrensies. The cause thereof is, the ascention of pleasant and benigne Vapors into the Head from the blood, and Ali∣ment: benigne ones I say, for those that are sharp, hot, and furious in
their Motions (as in Burning or putrid Fea∣vors) occasion Wake∣fulness, and want of Rest. In Sleep, Heat, Blood, and Spirits re∣tire towards the Cen∣ter and inward parts, which is one reason why 'tis a furtherance to digestion.
When we are awake the Understanding is employed, the Senses, the Limbs, and parts destined to Motion, whereby the Spirits are wasted; it is necessary therefore, that they be replenished by Sleep; In which all the Facul∣ties
are at rest, except sometimes the Phansy, and alwaies the Moti∣ons of the Pulse, and Respiration. By that cares are taken away, Anger is appeased, the Storms, Agonies, and Agitations of the Body are calmed, the Mind is rendred Tranquil and Serene. It Stops all immoderate Fluxes, ex∣cept Sweating. Hence is it that Soporiferous Potions are good in Lienteries, and all other Laskes.
the Inconveniences are:
1. In that the Heat being thereby called in∣to the Body, it consumes the superfluous Moi∣stures, and then the Ne∣cessary; and lastly, the Solid parts themselves, and so extenuates, dries, & emaciates the Body.
And secondly it fixes the Spirits, and makes them sluggish and stu∣pid; it duls the under∣standing, it hardens the Excrements, and makes the Body Costive, from whence follows many inconveniences.
Old men may Sleep long; and 'tis necessary
they should, for nothing refreshes them more: for that end Condite Lettice is very good, ea∣ten to Bed-ward: So is the washing of their Feet or Hands, or both, in warm water, with flowres of Water-Lillies, Chamo∣mil, Dill, Heads of Poppy, Vine-leaves, Roses, &c. boiled in it; It is ne∣cessary likewise that they go to bed Merry, and keep their Minds devoid of Perturbations. That they avoid Co∣stiveness, by taking loosening Meats at the beginning of their Meals, and by using
now and then, as need requireth, some Laxa∣tive: as Electuarium Le∣nitivum, Catholicum, or Benidicta Laxativa, of any of them 2. drams in the Mornings, with a lit∣tle powder of Anni∣seeds: or yet Cassia, Ta∣marinds, or Prunes Pulp'd, Manna, &c. either of themselves, or dissolved in Broth or Posset-drink; But these, though gen∣tle, I advise they use not too often, for better is it to be moved natural∣ly; besides that by the frequency, the Party using them will loose the benefit thereof.
Children may likewise sleep Largely; So may the Cholerick, and the Lean: The Phlegmatick and Fat should Watch much.
Sleep after Dinner may be allowed Old men, Children, and they who are accusto∣med to it; And then 'tis best not to lie, or hang down the Head, but to sit upright in a Chaire, to have no binding be∣fore upon the breast, and not to be suddenly awaked; but better it is, that they only drowze for the better closure of the Stomack, for
long sleeping in the day, indisposes the Body ve∣ry much, and makes the Nights restless, but they are especially Hurtful for those that are apt to Rheums, Sore Eyes and Coughes.
The best form of Ly∣ing is with the Arms and Thighs somewhat contract, the Head a lit∣tle elevated, on either of the Sides, for lying on the back is bad for the Stone, assists much the Ascension of Va∣pors, and wasts the Marrow in the Spine.
Over-much Watch∣ing consumeth the Spi∣rits,
dryeth the body, hurteth the Eye-sight, and very much shortens our Lives.
Cause of Sleep.
Com∣modities of Rest.
Sleep∣ing.
The Evils of Immo∣derate Sleep.
Large Sleep best for whom.
Sleep after Dinner.
Form of Lying.