The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-07-28
Causes of Sleeplessness.
sv n. AopiNcToN BRUCE,
Author OF The Riddle Of Personality.
Psychology and Parenthood." etc.

So much Misunderstanding exists with regard
to that widespread malady insomnia, or chronic
sleeplessness. that II Is well worth whhe caii
ing tatention to the results OF certaih 'ecens
scientific Investigations.
This. indeed, Is doubly desirable. because
these Investigations have thrown more heh,
on the whole subject OF sleep tnan was ever
before available.
For one thing and most important OF all.
they have demonstrated that In nearly every
case insomnia Is the result OF nothing more
than an unhealthy state OF mind.
And in nearly every case It 10 durable
In fact, the latest researches 90 to show that
the only kind OF insomnia that Ia incuraDle II
that which IL associated with some organic dis
covered remedy.
Thus organic disease OF the brain sometimes
has persistent sleeplessness rs one OF II: symp-
toms. And the same Ia true OF organic diseases
Of the heart stomach, kidneys. etc.
These may cause wakefulness through pain,
or through irritation Of the brain by bodily sub
stances which have not been properly eliminat-
ed, as would be the case were the organs sound
But In nine instances out Of ten sufferers from
insomnia are free from organic disease. ana
though they may have functional troubles wnicn
aid In keeping them awake the real source OF
their sleeplessness Is to b sought IN their
minds.
The great difficulty with them Is that they
have consciously or subconsciousiy argued s tnem'
selves into A FIRM BELIEF THAT THEY CAN
NOT SLEEP.
The evolution OF a typical case Of insomnia
Is about as follows
A man commits some hygienic indiscretion-
perhaps he eats a little too much-wnicn mas
the effect OF disturbing his rest. IL ne does not
let this trouble him, and does not repeat his
hygienic error. all will be well. He VIII tnere
after sleep az soundly as ever.
But frequently the loss Of few nights rest
brings panic. Exaggerated notions OF the harm
done by sleeplessness fiji the mind. Then
desperate effort Ia made to sleep--an effort
foredoomed to failure because OF the now es-
tablished fact that SLEEP CANNOT CONE
DURING STATE OF MENTAL TENSION.
and trying to sleep" always involves mental
tension
Failing in his effort to sleep. the wakeful man
begins to worry, which only increases the men
tai tension that already has become extreme.
Sleep. consequently. is banished the more effect
ually.
And, little by little every sleep-bringing de-
vice proving futile. there gradually develops
fixed idea that sleep can never be had again
Yet. in point OF fact. II really Is simple mat.
ter TO WOO sleep back One need only STOP
WORRYING about Its absence. and STOP TRY.
ING TO COMPEL 1T TO COME
In addition. OF course. one should take the
dietary and 'ygienic precautions necessary to
guard against recurrence OF the uncomfortable
physical sensations which cause temporary
wakefuness In the first place.
Dragging, however, In absolutely useless, for
the sef-evident reason that no drug can have
the power OF breaking up the fixed idea which
ut bottom In responsible for the inability TO
sleep.
Learn TO close up shop mentally a. soon a.
your head touches the pillow. take sleeping for
granted. and your trust In II Will always be
rewarded.