Removes outer layer, returning to rest (5)
I believe the answer is:
sleep
'to rest' is the definition.
(sleeping is a kind of resting)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sleep that I've seen before include "Wayne _; former Royal Ballet principal dancer" , "Produced (egg)" , "Natural state of unconscious rest" , "Drop off" , "Slumber" .)