This book is about sleeping and dreaming as explained by arts and
science: where sleep is described as being the natural periodic
suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are
restored. The contents detail the body's relaxation as induced by graded
switching off of the nerves. All species of mammals undergo regular
periods of it, varying with age, species, and with the seasonal changes
of day length. Sleep is a natural state of torpor, and a lowering of
consciousness associated with changes in the patterns of electrical
waves recorded from the brain. Additionally, it clarifies the dream
states, as a series of thoughts, images, poetry, or emotions occurring
during sleep. Dreams can also be experiences of waking life: having the
characteristics of a dream as a visionary creation of the imagination;
as a day-dream state of mind marked by abstraction or release from
reality; a reverie, as an object seen in a dream-like state; and vision,
as a wishful creation of the imagination.