SLEEP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23514, 31 May 1938, Page 17

SLEEP

NATURE’S SWEET NURSE The cry for rest and sleep has always been louder than the cry for food—not that it is more important, but that it is often harder to obtain. The best rest comes from sound sleep. Of two men or women, otherwise equal, the one who sleeps the best will be the most moral, healthy, and efficient. Sleep will do much to cure irritability of temper, peevishness, and uneasiness. It will restore to yigour an overworked brain; it will build up and make strong a weary body. Indeed, we might make a long list of nervous and other maladies that sleep will cure. What actually is this fatigue? It is a state of diminished functional fitness of body or mind, or both. Muscular fatigue is the result of muscular activity, which causes certain materials to be produced and poured into the blood, which circulates to the brain, and these materials have certain effects on the brain. The nerveendings in the muscles are also greatly influenced by the fatigue-producing substances, and the whole of the nervous system is affected. Everyone knows that sleep is Nature’s great restorer from fatigue. It has been found that tall and stout persons require more sleep than those of the thin and square type.. In health, generally from six to eight hours of sleep are required to restore the nervous energy exhausted by the day’s work. At first, upon retiring, always lie on the right side to allow the easier and more ready passage of food, as digested, from the stomach; and especially, eat nothing heavy and hard to digest at supper—a light supper is far preferable, and absolutely necessary to enjoy good health. Do not lie in such a position that the lungs feel cramped, and deep breathing is difficult. If “half-sick” or debilitated persons can take nine hours sleep, it will be all the better for them! There is nothing more annoying and damaging to the general health than sleeplessness —tossing for hours listening to the distant chimes of the town clock when the rest of the world is probably deep in blissful sleep. This aggravating trouble is so very common that it would be well to mention the treatment. One should have a good bed in a well-ventilated room, sufficient exercise to produce weariness, pleasant occupation, and strict avoidance of stimulants and narcotics. For those who are overworked, haggard, nervous, and who pass sleepless nights, we recommend the adoption of such habits as shall secure sleep, otherwise life will be short, and what there is of it sadly imperfect. One old-fashioned remedy, but very successful with some sufferers, consists of the following: Wet half a towel, apply it to the back of the neck, pressing it upward to the base of the brain, and fasten the dry half of the towel over in order to prevent toqrapid evaporation. The effect is prompt and sure —cooling the brain, and inducing calmer, sweeter sleep than any narcotic. Warm water may be used, but most people prefer cqld. To those suffering from over-excite-ment of the brain, whether the result of brain work or pressing anxiety, this simple remedy is a great help in combating sleeplessness. Lying with the head higher than the rest of the body, in order to prevent the blood flowing to the brain, induces sleep. On retiring, a hot foot bath, with mustard in it, draws the blood from the head and aids the getting of sleep. Some doctors recommend the sponging the entire length of the spine with hot water before retiring. A brisk walk or some form of strenuous exercise before going to bed is very beneficial. Strong drinks of any kind should not be indulged in last thing at night.—New Zealand Woman’s Weekly.