Slumbered Sleep

1.1 INTRODUCTION
We spend approximately one third of our lives sleeping. Sleep is
an extremely complex process especially when combined with the
dream state we enter when sleeping. There are many unexplained
phenomenons associated with sleep and this book is going to tackle
some of these mind bending aspects of sleep and dreams. Architecture
and sleep is a fairly unexplored topic with little connection
between the both existing out there. Architecture’s roots stem from
the architects mind visualization of spaces and buildings commonly
inspired by their dreams or sometimes “visions”.
Sleep is distinguished by altered consciousness, relatively reduced
cognitive activity, reduced muscle activity, and diminished interactions
with the environment. The ability to respond to stimuli is lessened
compared to alertness, although it is still more responsive
than a coma or other diseases of cognition, with sleep exhibiting
diverse, active brain patterns.
Sleep is a tool of power. Humanities patterns of sleeping have
shifted throughout history as society evolved and everyday lives
evolved alongside the shifting changes in society. We are weak
without sleep. There are short term fixes to combat lack of sleep,
but we cannot lie to our body. Evolution for humanity as well as all
species informs the body of when sleep is required and when it’s
time to enter the new worlds our brain creates.
Sleeping relaxes and rejuvinates our body and is critical for natural
energy levels throughout the day directly relating to quality of life.
Society today does not value sleep for what it is worth but rathers
hustle over necessary rest contributing to many health issues in
individuals. It is near impossible to live a long healthy lifestyle while
getting minimal sleep every night. Our understanding of sleep has
significantly increased during the last 100 years. As we lead increasingly
hectic lifestyles, many people, but not enough yet, are
becoming aware of the negative effects of sleep deprivation on
their quality of life.
In this thesis an in depth evaluation on sleep will be researched
through culture, religion, health, sleep disorders, as well as the
science behind sleep. These will be incorporated into further research
on the new worldly perceptions we experience during sleep,
dreams. For an aspect of everyday human life that is so vital to
well being and mental stability, there is little to no architectural relevance
to the topic. Architecture that can be related to sleep and
solve sleep issues will be researched and discussed to make relevant
to this thesis as it is needed to create a relationship between
sleep and architecture.
12 13