SOME OF THE PATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BED REST ON THE PATIENT ARE DISCUSSED: THE HEART'S WORK PRODUCTION INCREASES BY 30% IN THE PRONE POSITION; AUTONOMIC NERVOUS CONTROL OF VASCULAR TONUS IS CURTAILED; EXCRETION OF CALCIUM AND NITROGEN INCREASES; INCONTINENCE IS OFTEN FOUND IN OLDER PATIENTS. RECENT CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT THE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF BED REST, AND A RE-EVALUATION OF ITS EFFICACY, GIVE RISE TO CHANGES IN HOSPITAL PLANNING.