Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 December 1902 — TRIBUTE TO THE MORNING NAP. [ARTICLE]

TRIBUTE TO THE MORNING NAP.

Protest Against the Ancient Motion of Hieing Karljr. The time of rising in the morning has not, in fact, kept step with the progress of other events. The old custom of early rising and breakfasting by candle light during the season of short days still prevails, although the need has largely passed away. Forty years ago farm work began with the break of the day. .and laboring people were expected to be In shops and factories at 5 o’clock in the morning the year round.. The agitation for a shorter day first reduced the hours to ten and later to nine and eight. But it Is doubtful if the hours given to sleep have increased as much as the hours of work have ceased; And in particular the time of rising is still where it was when ten and twelve hours of labor were demanded. This is wrong. There is nothing more conducive to health, good morals and good temper than a nap in the morning. It rounds out the night’s sleep and imparts a satisfaction which is a considerable factor in the day’s work. There is nothing like sleep to tone up the nerves. It is better than the best tonic, and with the nerves in good condition the whole man or woman is prepared to meet the struggles and competition that modern life brings. Sociologists also contend that If people would sleep more there would be less crime. Another argument In favor of longer hours of rest Is the saving that would be made in light and fuel. Less coal would be burned and less gas or other illuminants would be consumed. And this Is an argument which will appeal at the present time to every housekeeper when the necessity for economy Is being enforced so sharply. There are early closing movements. Why not a late rising movement? All methods of work and business have been changed during the last two generations and they are still changing. A man with the help of modern machinery accomplishes many times more In a shorter time than his grandfather dkl. Why, then, should he get up In the morning at the same time Ills grandfather did and find his energies used up before noon hour? The morning nap will cure this and the effort to establish it can be helped along with a clear conscience.—Philadelphia Press.