How to Sleep
The very best method to induce sleep is that of counting, Breathe deeply and slowly (without any straining effort) and, with every expiration, count one, two, three, etc., up to a hundred.
Abstract
prescription for preternaturally wakeful per sens. The “ high pressure ” principle on which many of our business men work their brains, and abuse their bodies, begets an irritable con dition of the nerves, and a morbid state of mind, very antagonistic to quiet and refreshing sleep. Such persons will often go to bed weary and exhausted, but cannot sleep; or sleep dreamily and fitfully; or lie awake for hours; unable to sleep at all. We have tried many ex pedients to induce sleep with more or less’ suc cess, and have read many recipes which proved better in theory than in practice. The very best method we have yet discovered is that of counting. Breathe deeply and slowly (without any straining effort) and, with every expiration, count one, two, three, etc., up to a hundred. Some persons will be asleep before they can count fifty in this manner. Others will count ten, twenty, or thirty, and then forget them selves and cease counting. In such cases al ways commence again at once. Very few per sons can count a hundred and find themselves awake; but should this happen, repeat the dose until cured.—From, Science of Health.