Sleep, is that condition of the body, in which the senses are not ted or affected by external ob-; while the functions of life are regularly performed, though not with the same energy or celebrity, as is observable in a waking state.

" Tir'd Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep, " is one of those quisties, which are indispensable to the continuance of life and health : thus, providential Nature has appropriated the night for the recovery of that strength, which had been expended by exhausting the irritable principle during the day.

The disposition to sleep is indicated by a drowsiness the whole system : the muscles become languid; unable to retain its erect position, bends, towards the, chest; the lids close; not only contributes to because the organs of digestion and in this state of rest, than during bodily exercise. Hence, persons are accustomed to take a nap, regularly after dinner ; a practice which has, by some, highly commended, for its invigorating the body, and enabling it to undergo additional fatigue ; while others have censured it, as ling to induce corpulency, a or phlethoric habit, and indispositions. - The tive propriety of this indulgence, however, depends on particular circumstances. Thus, if a person solid or hard food, or be naturally of slow digestion, a short sleep exceeding one hour, at the farthest) may be of service; but, in cases of debility, and great mus-cular relaxation, such practice ought by no means to be encouraged, particularly by the young ; each repetition will have an aggravating effect.

In taking this necessary repose, the body ought to be reclined on the left side, in a straight direction, with the limbs slightly bent; the head being rather elevated. The body ought, on no account, to be placed in a crooked posture ; as it impedes the circulation of the blood, and pre-disposes the system or apoplectic fits.

Lying on the back is equally imas it tends to produce frightful dreams, and numerous in, especially the Nightmare.