Sleep.

Manawatu Herald, 30 July 1904, Page 3

Sleep.

Dr William Henry, in “The Red Letter,” has again been telling us useful things, this time in connection with sleep, “ Nature’s great healer. We all know how necessary to existence, to health, to well-being, sleep is ; it is one of the most potent tonics, in that it gives rest to both mind and body ; it helps to make weak physiques strong, and restores vigour to an overworked brain. We sleep less well than our ancestors, owing to the rush and worry of modern life ; indeed, as Dr Henry points out, worry or anxiety is the most frequent cause of sleeplessness, so also is indigestion, or an upset condition of the nerves, produced, fc maybe, in the sex, by an overdndul- * gence in tea, and in men by too much tobacco or alcohol. As regards tea and coffee no person troubled with this want of sleep should ever take either of these drinks late at night, as both induce nerve excitement or wakefulness. Another cause is cold feet. Many women suffer winter and summer from cold feet, which often prevents sleep, as the extremities go to sleep first. All parts of the body do not begin to sleep at once. We go to sleep upwards. Many people scout hot bottles, but better these than a serious want of sleep. Want of something to eat is also another reason for sleeplessness. Heavy suppers are a great mistake, but an empty stomach is not good for sleep. A little warm milk, sipped slowly, a cup of cocoa, or even a glass of hot water may do all that is necessary, or a few biscuits. But enough for to-day. I propose returning to this important subject ere i°ng.