Handy hibernation

On May 6, 2000, BMJ, on their medical publication of the year, reported:


Human hibernation

A Practice closely akin to hibernation is said to be general among Russian peasants in the Pskov Government, where food is scanty to a degree almost equivalent to chronic famine. Not having provisions enough to carry them through the whole year, they adopt the economical expedient of spending one half of it in sleep. This custom has existed among them from time immemorial. At the first fall of snow the whole family gathers round the stove, lies down, ceases to wrestle with the problems of human existence, and quietly goes to sleep.

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/320/7244/1245/a

In these times of crisis the practices of Russian folks might come handy. No food? Dismal prospects? Let's hibernate!