SLEEPING ON SOFT BEDS by Philadelphia Record

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 17, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 58.

SLEEPING ON SOFT BEDS.

By Philadelphia Record

THERE is an old story of an Indian and a "pale face," who, after a long day's journey, lay down in a deserted cabin at nightfall to rest. The Indian wrapped himself in his blanket, stretched himself on the floor of the cabin, with his feet to the fire, and was soon asleep. His companion, meantime, had espied a feather bed in another room, and, congratulating himself on his discovery, jumped in, and was also soon in a doze.

With the first rays of the morning light, the Indian rose refreshed, and ready for the day's task. He went to arouse his comrade, when, lo! he found him dead from exhaustion of the previous day.

The tendency of the body to gravitate toward the lowest part of a feather bed is beyond remedy.

In this position the whole body is often so curled up that no part is free from constriction. The chest walls are caved in, and the whole body suffers from the consequent lack of proper oxygenation of the blood and the restriction which is placed upon its general circulation. The blood moves sluggishly, and as a result the condition of "fat and flabby" is superinduced.

This condition is never likely to follow the constant use of a firm hair mattress, for the blood has no chance to get dropsical from too sluggish a circulation.

Perfect physical repose, like perfect physical activity, is dependent upon proper equilibrium of the bodily functions during slumber.