Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-02-24
On the Science Of Sleep.

FROM ancient times sleep has been re-
garded by philosophers and students of
nature with the deepest interest II is,
therefore, the more remarkable that until
very recently one of the most important
questions in connection with the theme
namely, the cause OF sleep and the rea-
son of its periodical return, has been but
very imperfectly answered. Two years
ago Professor Pettenkofer, of Munich,
gentleman widely celebrated for his re-
searches into the cause OF cholera, in the
course of his experiments upon the ex-
change of gases in fhe human system,
gave perfectly satisfactory reply to the
inquiry.
II has long been known that the oxygen
taken in during the act OF breathing plays
very important port, inasmuch as through
its union with the substance of our bodies
the vital forces are generated. In every
process of life, however insignificant,
certain quantity of oxygen is consumed.
1t Is, in Il sense, the steam power by which
the living machine is driven, and the
amount used can be measured by the quar-
tity of carbonic acid generated and set free
in the act Of expiration. For this purpose,
Pettenkoter, assisted by Volt, has con-
trived an apparatus, and has thereby
brought to light the unexpected fact that
during the day, even with the slightest
efforts, we give forth proportionately much
more carbonic acid, or, in other words,
consume much more oxygen than we re-
eeiye uring the same period.
From this interesting fact their natural
ly arises the important inquiry by what
means is this daily deficiency supplied !
Here, also Pettenkofer's researches furnish
US with a satisfactory answer Sleep is the
prudent minister of finance, who every
| night, by wise economy, makes up the
| losses OF the day, for in sleep we not only
consume half as much less oxygen as we
do in the day, but we take in twice as
much as we do when we are awake Dur
ing sleep we lay " q store of oxygen
which enables US without fear to look for
ward to the deficiency of tomorrow. |.
not this arrangement truly worthy of Oul
warmest admiration? Many State
might congratulate itself if its financia
administration were conducted on sinilal
| principles. Once more we find that na
ture is the best teacher giving US lessor
in national economy from the philosophy
of sleep.
We have laid down the principle that il
every process of life, no matter how
trifing it may seem, we consume a certain
| proportion of oxygen. Every motion
every sensation, even every thought is sucl
process. If we shake hands with
friend, ii we look at him, our heart beat
ing quicker at the thought, we suffer tn,
loss of definite quantity Of oxygen;
certain portion of our body is consume,
and changed into carbonic acid. All thi
sounds horribly material, but it is never
theless, perfectly true, and is sustained b,
the best possible proofs-namely, thos
arising from the economy of the human
system. During sleep its task is to b.
sparipg of oxygen, and like wise house
holder, who avoids all useless and lux
urious indulgence, and limits himself I,
such expenditures as is necessary for hi
subsistence, it faithfully performs it.
But what are these things which w
may regard as the luxurious expenditure
of our organisms Above all, we may in
clude in this category the whole range 0
the activity of tue senses, since such ac
tivity is not indispensably necessary fo
the maintenance Of life. In a sleep W,
may strike off with comfort the charge
connected with sight The muscles Of III,
| eyes first refuse their service. A peculiar
feeling OF pressure and heaviness in thu
upper eyelids informs us that they are pre-
pairing for sleep, and the impossibility O
fixing the eye steadily upon any object be
trays 10 US the fact that the muscles, which
cause the conveyance of the axis Of sight
can no longer perform their part. With
the closing of-the eyelids the Excitement o.