Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 April 1880 — Sleeping a Life Away. [ARTICLE]

Sleeping a Life Away.

Nathan G. Vrooman, an employe‘of the Central Hudson railroad, residing near the city of Schenectady, is sleeping his life away. Six years ago he received a sunstroke and ever since has complained of dizziness. On the 15tli of February he was compelled to quit his work and take to his bed on account of severe pains in his head. He at once fell asleep and continued in this condition almost without interruption, day and night, for three weeks and twy days. His sleep appeared to be natural, and his breathing was not labored as in certain diseases of the brain. When aroused he seemed very morose and disinclined to converse, so that it was with the greatest difficulty any information concerning his feelings could be drawn from him. He desired above all things to be let alone and not disturbed. His appetite during this time was very fair. He ate, on alternate days, enough to . support life in an inactive state. But each time, as soon as his food was disposed of, he would at once relapse into his former apathy. What is a little singular in his case, there was at no time any symptom of fever or inflammation or delirium, nor of any material increase of the temperature of the body which would indicate any deep-seated disease, nor any paralysis or disturbance of vision. At the end of the twenty-three days he woke and became communicative. He was not suffering from any pains, but was weak. His appetite was voracious, and it was then supposed that he would soon recover his strength and return to his work. Ten days later he became sleepy and again took to his bed, where he is at present in about the same condition as at first. Day and night he sleeps without any fever, and refuses to take any food. When he awakes from bis sleep, it is with the greatest difficulty he can be make to talk. It is only by perseverance in questioning that a “ yes ” or a “no ” can be got out of him in reply. He desires to be allowed to sleep. His friends are getting anxious about bim, as it is now two weeks since he tasted food, and still his sleep continues, with no material change in his condition or symptoms. He is a single man, aged about 35 years, hard-working, sober, and industrious, and the main support of a widowed sister, with whom he resides. Death must ensue in a short time, but the ease is so remarkable as to excite the wonder and interest of the physicians in that section. The doctors are unable to give an explanation of the man’s somnolency.— Syracuse Courier.