e. It is a well-established physiological fact, that
during the wakeful hours the vital energies are being expended, the
powers of life diminished, and, if wakefulness is continued beyond a
certain limit, the system becomes enfeebled and death is the result.
During sleep there is a temporary cessation of vital expenditures, and a
recuperation of all the forces. Under the influence of sleep "the blood
is refreshed, the brain recruited, physical sufferings are extinguished,
mental troubles are removed, the organism is relieved, and hope returns
to the heart."

The severest punishment which can be inflicted upon a person, is to
entirely deprive him of sleep. In China, a few years since, three
criminals were sentenced to be kept awake until they should die. To do
this it was necessary to keep a guard over them. The sentinels were
armed with sharp, pointed instruments, with which to goad the victims
and thus prevent them from sleeping. Life soon became a burden, and,
although they were well fed during the time, death occurred sooner than
it would have done had starvation been the punishment.

SLEEPING ROOMS. The sleeping room should be large and well ventilated,
and the air kept moderately cool. The necessity for a fire may be
determined by the health of the occupant. Besides maintaining a proper
temperature in the room, a little fire is useful, especially if in a
grate, for the purpose of securing good ventilation. The windows should
not be so arranged as to allow a draught upon the body during the night,
but yet so adjusted that the inmate may obtain plenty of fresh air.

THE BED should not be too soft, but rather hard. Feathers give off
animal emanations of an injurious character, and impart a feeling of
lassitude and debility to those sleeping on them. No more coverings
should be used than are actually necessary for the comfort of the
individual. Cotton sheets are warmer than linen, and answer equally as
well.

SLEEPING ALONE. Certain effluvia are thrown off from our persons, and
when two individuals sleep together each inhales from the other more or
less of these emanations. There is little doubt that _consumption_, and
many other diseases, not usually considered contagious, are sometimes
communicated in this manner. When it is not practicable for individuals
to occupy separate beds, the persons sleeping together should be of
about the same age, and in good health. Numerous cases have occurred in
which healthy, robu