<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (August 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Now I lay me down to sleep is a classic children's bedtime prayer from the 18th century . </P> <P> Perhaps the earliest version was written by Joseph Addison in an essay appearing in The Spectator on 8th March 1711 . It says: </P> <P> When I lay me down to Sleep, I recommend my self to His care; when I awake, I give my self up to His Direction, Amen . </P>

Who wrote the prayer now i lay me down to sleep