Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 150, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 June 1911 — TO CURE INSOMNIA [ARTICLE]

TO CURE INSOMNIA

Dance Hornpipe, Whistle, Sing and Do Anything “Mad.” English Doctor Declares Few Minutes of Boisterousness Just Before Going to Bed Will Act as a Sleep Producer. . London.—Dance a hornpipe, whistle, sing and do anything “mad” you can think of ten minutes before going to bed—ls you would sleep soundly and well. Be as merry as yOu can during that ten minutes. Make faces at yourself In a glass, waltz your way upstairs,,' and conclude with a lively two-step and. If you are an athlete, a somersault on the bedroom carpet These were some of the Ideas given by a well-known doctor as a remedy for insomnia. Just about this time many people are suffering from sleeplessness. In one case a man, who ordinarily sleeps soundly the whole night through, has scarcely slept a wink for the past four or five days. “Sleeplessness is probably a common ailment at the present time owing to the frequent changes of weather,” said the doctor whose views are given above. “Much, however, depends upon the Individual temperament and one’s state of health. Political excitement may account for Insomnia among many people. "As for remedies for sleeplessness, I do not believe in the many 'serious cures which are offered by well-mean-ing doctors an^Tothers to the public. “Sufferers are advised to do Swedish drill or other exercises before going to bed, and then, when between the Bheets, to add up colosaal sums, cotint innumerable imaginary sheep jumping visionary gates and work out anagrams. “My views are quite different For ten minutes before going to bed a man should, in my opinion, give him-

self over to childish, light-hearted amusements. If he feels depressed he should force himself to outward merriment “All men who work hard ail day should devote this ten minutes to foolery. They should be as ‘mad’ as they can be without exhausting themselves too much. “I know of one man who us,ed to recite Lewis Carroll’s TTou Are Old, Father William,’ and then turn a somersault before getting into bed. “I don’t suppose he did it every night but that man had the right spirit:—and he slept like a top till morning. “If you feel weighed down with cares and needless worries just take my advice and waltz lightly round the room with an Imaginary partner. “Afterwards imagine you are a small boy, say ‘Presto!’ turn a somersault, and climb into bed. Once In bed, hum bars of any music that occurs to you, so that It be cheerful music. “Foolery has a great cheering and sedative effect on the mind of a tired man. Insomnia patients should give toy ‘cure’ a serious trial. It will sweep cares from the mind for a few minutes, and before they come back you are asleep." ' ~ l