SLEEPLESSNESS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] • SIR,—In my own case, occasional difficulty in going to sleep arises from one of two distinct causes. The first is an over- excited brain, and in that case I invariably find that my eyes are in constant movement, although the lids are closed. The remedy is resolutely to fix the eyes, the gaze directed down- ward—say, to the foot of the bed—while the lids are kept closed. Concentrated attention is needed in this effort, and that in itself is good for promoting sleep.
The second cause of sleeplessness with me is the form of indigestion known as flatulence, which may be relieved in various ways. My own plan of getting relief is to get up, dress partially, and go into my study for a pipe and a little light reading, or a walk up and down the room. A bad attack may require a little whisky or some other medicine (such as chloric ether, twenty drops in water) ; but on returning to bed I invariably go to sleep in a few minutes. Probably a dose of whisky is more effectual with me than with a person who is not, as I am, habitually an abstainer; but a pipe alone is usually sufficient —I am, Sir, &c.,
A HARD-WORKING JOURNALIST.
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