Knight denies 25 counts of making criminal threats and stalking

The Los Angeles Superior Court hearing was postponed after Dawnette Knight was too drowsy to follow proceedings.

"She just wanted a good night's sleep," said defence lawyer Richard Herman.

Ms Knight, 32, has pleaded not guilty to 25 counts of making criminal threats and stalking. The hearing aims to determine whether she will face trial.

Hospital check

Ms Knight was found sleeping on the floor of her prison cell before the scheduled Thursday hearing.

When guards were unable to rouse her, she was taken to hospital, checked and returned to prison.

The two sleeping pills had not been prescribed for Ms Knight, and her defence lawyer said she had bought them in prison.

Zeta Jones said she received "satanic" letters from Knight

"She just wanted sleeping pills, and these worked real well," Mr Herman said. "Unfortunately, a little too well."

Judge Patricia Schnegg postponed the hearing until Friday, saying Ms Knight "appears to still feel the effects" of the pills.

Zeta Jones testified against Ms Knight on Wednesday, reading extracts from 19 threatening letters to the court.

"We are going to slice her up like meat on a bone and feed her to the dogs," said one letter quoted by the Oscar-winning star.

"I've never in my life had anything or had anyone say anything to me so satanic," said Zeta Jones, 34.