Sleep is the regular state of natural rest observed in all mammals, birds, and fish. Sleep is not actually "unconsciousness," but rather, it is a natural state of rest characterized by a reduction in voluntary body movement, decreased reaction to external stimuli, an increased rate of anabolism (the synthesis of cell structures), and a decreased rate of catabolism (the breakdown of cell structures). Therefore, since consciousness is literally the awareness of the surroundings, being asleep is just an altered state of consciousness, as opposed to being unconscious. It is heavily influenced by circadian rhythms and by hormonal and environmental factors. Sleep performs a restorative function for the brain and body as evidenced by the myriad symptoms of metabolic dysfunction that result when animals are deprived of sleep.

The function of sleep in health and in disease is being increasingly studied in specialized sleep laboratories throughout the world. Not only insomnia but more recently elucidated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy are evaluated in such facilities. The increasing prevalence of sleep disorders is likely to be a function both of more sophisticated diagnostic tests and the disruption of the normal day-night cycle in modern societies.

Sleep is probably the best healer after time. After yesterday's sad post I went straight to sleep, and this morning, though I can still feel the aftershocks of that, its not as bad. I'm listening to Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley (my song of the day extending to a week now). Its just such a beautiful song, with beautiful sets of chord progressions stepping in and out of majors and minors. As he says, "the major forth the minor fifth". Those are actually the chords to the song! :-P Try it!

Secondly, about what happened last night. Just another one of those bouts where you wish your past would go a little differently so that things being over, would hurt less. Thats a little hard to do, unless someone makes a time-machine. Speaking of time machines, there is one in existence. However it can only transport things till the past time when it was turned on. Sort of like a barrier where (|) is the switching on of the time machine, and [|] is the present. So we can only go like this -- (|) <----------------------------- [|]. Yea! Kinda strange, but anyone who wants to take up theoretical physics and reading this have something to look forward to doing. But I'm deviating. So yes, better than trying / wanting to change the past, is to realise that things can't be helped, and to move on! I know, its easier said than done. But hey! I did it, and I expect nothing less from all the others who've been kicked in their past and are trying to lead their lives now. There's a reason its over. Why hold on to it? :)

A morning revelation! :) Goodday!