- published: 06 Jan 2011
- views: 236015
Somnolence (or "drowsiness") is a state of near-sleep, a strong desire for sleep, or sleeping for unusually long periods (cf. hypersomnia). It has two distinct meanings, referring both to the usual state preceding falling asleep , and the chronic condition referring to being in that state independent of a circadian rhythm. "Somnolence" is derived from the Latin "somnus" meaning "sleep."
Sleepiness can be dangerous when performing tasks that require constant concentration, such as driving a vehicle. When a person is sufficiently fatigued, he or she may experience microsleeps.
The human body can become sleepy in response to infection. Such somnolence is one of several sickness behaviors or reactions to infection that some theorize evolved to promote recovery by conserving energy while the body fights the infection using fever and other means.
Miraculous in its own way
Borrowing time from space
The color scheme is familiar
Maybe it's painted that way
A shadow dances in your memory
It happens while you sleep
Do you remember why it's there
Is it a subset of reality
A scepter in a shell
or is it the other way around
Welcome to Somnolence
Oneiric Somnolence
Approaching Somnolence
Oneiric Somnolence
Cascading into your mind's eye
Shaping your night, shaping your life
The color scheme is familiar
Maybe it's painted red
But it's in your head forever
We are Pandoras when we fall asleep
Our memories are locked
Inside a box inside a mind
They roll to the deep end from the shallow end
It happens while you sleep
And you are dreaming all the way
Welcome to Somnolence
Oneiric Somnolence
Approaching Somnolence
Oneiric Somnolence