READING AS A SLEEP INDUCER FOR INSOMNIA
The principal object of those suffering from insomnia is being able to purge the mind of the thoughts that are parading up and down through it.
Books are what most of them turn to in order to accomplish this end.
There are books and books. Obviously the seeker after sleep will not choose a book about a battle or adventure. Rather will he select a lulling work of philosophy or of monotonous description or soothing charm, which you can read without using any intellect or emotionally stimulation. Choice will vary, too, with the age, sex, education, and personal tastes of the individual.
There are books that put one to sleep by boring and tiring the reader. You sleeps from sheer fatigue and desperation. They excite no thought, they arouse no emotion, they conjure up no imagery.
By their very nature they are ideal for the treatment of insomnia through the eyes. Each insomniac must find these for himself. He will not have to seek for them long. If this be too severe a discipline, he may come upon books that, while neither boring nor fatiguing, will yet lead to sleep. Such books prepare the mind for sleep as rain prepares the soil for vegetation.
Let us suggest, rather, the gentle, delightful books that have been written more casual and that will give the insomniac a sleep-producer.
Of course, when the insomniac is wooing sleep through a book, he will have made all preparations for surrendering his physical self to sleep when it does come. It will avail him nothing if after attaining the period of drowsiness he arouse himself by physical activity by having to undress oneself.
Before beginning to read get yourself ready in your pyjamas. Then, when you feel your senses dulled and your eyelids grow heavy, you'll only have to put out the light and abandon himself to the peaceful and refreshing slumber.
