The importance of sleep, wisdom from nature

I think, yet again, that we can take our lesson from nature.

A marigold, not yet seen the light of day. © Corina Duyn 2014

"Sleep, is a relaxation during which tissues are repaired", states the Rev. Charles A. Hall in his 1926 book Wild flowers and wonderful ways, Peeps at nature. If we don’t sleep, or as many of us dealing with ME/CFS don’t have a restorative sleep, we don’t have the time to repair our tissues, and can be further harmed.

A marigold, slowly unfolding. © Corina Duyn 2014

Rev. Charles A. Hall explains: “Plants, like animals, need their periods of rest, not only the great rest of Winter, such as is seen conspicuously in many trees, but regular hours of what may be likened to sleep. Both leaves and flowers take up sleeping position, which is not generally so apparent as in the case are dainty little Wood Sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella), sometimes called Shamrock.” I see the same in the marigold flowers… and I took some photos to show you what I mean.

A marigold, with petals soaking up the sun. © Corina Duyn 2014

“The sleep of plants, like that of animals, is a relaxation from certain activities during which tissues are repaired in preparation for work it to be accomplished. During sleep we protect ourselves from the cold by covering ourselves with blankets, but plants secure the same results by the sleeping position of the leaves, in which the surface is exposed as little as possible.”

A marigold, going to sleep for the night. © Corina Duyn 2014

In the same little book the Rev. explains how Charles Darwin showed by experiment that “leaves, when compelled to remain in their stretched out the position, were injured by cold, whereas leaves of the same plant allowed to take up their sleeping position were not harmed.”

Sleep tight!

From: Wild flowers and wonderful ways, peeps at nature. Edited by the Rev Charles A.Hall, F.R.M.S. 1926 Page 33 and Page 44

the very book I read during my stay at Annaghmakerrig

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