Abstract
PROFESSOR HUMPHRY commenced his lecture by giving a brief account of some of the changes that take place in the tissues when their function is active, and explained that during this time a slight deterioration of structure takes place, which, affecting the voluntary system, the muscles and hemispheres of the brain, causes the sense of tiring, and necessitates a period of rest for the restoration of the tissues to their former condition. In the case of the muscles this rest is provided for by periods, quickly alternating periods, of action and cessation of action. But in the case of the brain, the actions upon which consciousness, volition, &c., depend cannot be thus frequently suspended. Their continuance is needed for the safety of the body during long periods, through the whole day, for instance; and longer periods are therefore required for repair. These are the periods of sleep.
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On Sleep† . Nature 5, 328–329 (1872). https://doi.org/10.1038/005328a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/005328a0