Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1883 — Somnambulism. [ARTICLE]

Somnambulism.

Somnambulism, is literally sleepwalking. It is, however, more. The mijid itself is in a very remarkable condition. The phenomenon has never been fully explained. We give, in substance, the views concerning it of Dr. Mann, Physieian-in-Chief to the Sunnyside Retreat for Disorders of the Nervous System. Trance, absence .of mind, temporary oHiyiousnesa, are allied to it, and are probably due. to over-nutrition and defective nutrition in different parts of the brain, from the disproportionate use of some faculties and the disuse of others.'' ' ' > Frere, a distingished poet and scholar, having handed the Countess of Errol to supper, drank himself what he had prepared for her and wholly forgot their objedt in visiting the dining-room. On his marriage to the same person, he spent the latter part of the day with his publisher, utterly oblivious to the fact that he had promised to take her to the country. The lamp-posts actually seemed to Sir Joshua Reynolds men, and men and women to be moving shrubs, on his •yalking out into the streets after long occupation in painting. Sir Isaac Newton’s intense contem-< plations often rendered him oblivious to himself and his surroundings. So in general, though in a lower degree, a person whose attention has been intensely fixed a long while on particular objects, is with difficulty able to direct his attention to others. In somnambulists the senses are often even preternaturally awake, and some of the mental faculties are specially active. But consciousness is asleep, and no memory remains of what meanwhile transpires. The acts resemble the irresistible impulses of the insane. Still, somnambulism'is consistent with fair health. It is apt to grow into a habit and to become periodical—once a week, or fortnight, or month. An attack is due, probably, to an .over-pressure of blood in the brain, caused by a loaded stomach, sleeping with the head too low, or too strong mental emotion. The patient should be awakened each night soon after retiring, and again four or five hours later; should dine at midday, eating only digestible food, and.'should sleep with his head raised by a pillow. Electricity and nerve tonfcj are helpful. He should not b,e wakened while in motion, but put back quietly te bed. Sudden waking may result in* a dangerous fright.-2-Youth’s Companion.