De somno et vigilia theses ad disputandum propositae

waking, that is, for whom, how, and when they are beneficial or harmful. We, for the sake of brevity and our purpose (from which it would be alien to explain everything pertaining to this matter), will be content with a few examples.

LVI.

Sleep, therefore, by its nature and primarily benefits the sleeper, for the reason that with the heat clinging within, digestions are perfected; humors are generated and warmed, by which the body is nourished; heat and spirit, dissipated by labor and vigils, are restored as another portion is substituted for the frequenting of functions; excrements are mitigated and diminished; and flatulence generated in digestion is dispersed.

LVII.

Waking then digests the concocted nourishment throughout the whole body by the motion of heat, dissipates and expels excrements, adds strength to external parts, and is the cause that their offices are exercised more successfully.

LVIII.

Secondarily, sleep moistens; waking at first heats, and consequently dries, by digesting the humor contained in the body into air.

LIX.

Moderate sleep (to accommodate effects to the differences of sleep)—that is, such as moderate nature demands, which experience confirms to be sufficiently refreshed by a sleep of seven or eight hours, which happens in the nighttime, after food has been consumed, and with heat and spirits dissolved due to the preceding motions of mind and body, in a convenient place, and first on the left side, so that heat may approach the stomach from the recumbency to aid digestion; then on the right, so that the distribution of nourishment may be rendered easier—this sleep, I say, because it is perfect (other things being equal), is beneficial.
Be mindful,