The state of sleep is associated with many measurable changes, including an increased number of mitoses (1, 2), a high eosinophil count (3, 4) increased liver glycogen (5, 6), decreased blood epinephrine (7), decreased excretion of water (8, 9), electrolytes (8, 10), uric acid (11) and 17-ketosteroids (12), and lowered body temperature (13). The urinary excretions mentioned decrease in spite of unchanged renal function (14). Then in apparent preparation for the day's activity, a rapid reversal of these functions occurs, a few hours before awakening. It is evident that the rhythm of activity of many of these substances may actually be caused by a change in adrenal gland activity.

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