Sleep and Its Derangements

iews which I have given relative to the pathology of this affection be correct, there can be no doubt in regard to the means to be employed for its cu

the attention, diminish the action of the heart and blood-vessels, or correct ir

ly or through a specific effect upon the ci

soft undulatory movements, the repetition by the insomnolent of a series of words till the attention is diverted from the exciting emotion which engages it, and many others of similar charact

d the means which are chiefly to be relied on i

aracter. Whatever causes produce an irritable condition of the nervous system, indirectly at least increase the disposition to wakefulness.

fact that the process of digestion requires an increased amount of blood in the organs which perform it, and consequently the brain receives a less quantity. A tendency to sleep is therefore induced. It is a natural and healthy predisposition, and when yielded to moderately conduces to a more complete assimilation of the food than would otherwise take place. When, however, the food ingested is not such as is merely sufficient for the wants of

f eating. When the quantity of milk taken has not been excessive, the child quietly drops asleep at the breast. On the contrary, when a superabundance has been ingested,

ed. This is especially the case with women, who too generally indulge in what may be called "slops," to the exclusion of good, solid, nutritious food derived in great part from the anim

he stomach than many kinds of wine, and as being purer than the stuff ordinarily sold as brandy. As a good stimulant, and at the same time tonic, nothing can be preferable to Tarragona wine, drunk at dinner to the extent of a glass or t

ad several slight cases of passive wakefulness under my care which were entirely and speedily cured by a cup of strong coffee taken for three or

d are only useful in the asthenic or passive form of insomnia; in the sthenic or active form of the

most impossible to produce any permanently beneficial influence without the aid of this powerful tonic. To be of any material

ty. Frequently, especially in children, I have found that simply putting the feet in water of the temperature

orm of wakefulness. When the individual is strong, the heart beating with force and frequency, and the mental excitement great, its influence is almost inv

h positions as will admit of a small stream of cold water falling from a slight elevation upon the head. I have in some work-on which I cannot now lay my hands-read a very full account of this custom,

n all severe cases of insomnia which come under my charge, and we have, in its efficacy, additional confir

the details of which will be given at another time. Suffice it now to say, that I have administered it to dogs whose brains had been exposed to view by trephining the skull, and that I have invariably found it to lessen the quantity of blood circulating within the cranium, and to produce a shrinking of the brain from this cause. Moreover, we have only to observe its effects upon the human subject

neficial in those cases of wakefulness due to excessive mental exertion or anxiety of mind. I usual

however, in which its influence is decidedly beneficial. Care should be taken to give it in sufficiently large but not excessive quantities. The influence of opium in lessening the amount of blood in the brain is very dis

ifficult to obtain any preparation of this drug which retains its virtues. I have usually employed the tincture in doses of from one to two dra

ay in commendation. Tonics are, however, almost always useful, even in the activ

s, the measures of relief must be directed to the cure of the primary diseas

er. Proper intervals of relaxation should be insisted upon, and in some cases it may be necessary to suspend all intense intellectual effort for a time. When the means will permit, travel can always be

that one of the most distinguished men of Great Britain had committed suicide, in consequence of insanity produced by overexertion of his mind. Thus one more victim is added to the long list