96. Sleeplessness (Insomnia).
This condition is a symptom and not a disease. The ability to sleep varies much in different individuals, but it is a symptom generally capable of relief or cure, when it becomes at all marked. If it depends on pain or fever, the treatment of the underlying condition is the most satisfactory way of relieving sleeplessness, but although an abnormal inability to sleep no doubt always depends upon some disturbance of life equilibrium, it is not always easy to discover the fault, and then remedies must be chosen for the sleeplessness which is in these cases, the most prominent symptom.
When sleeplessness arises from excitability it is important to remove sources of excitement as far as possible. Heavy meals late at night should be avoided, though a glass of warm milk at bedtime is often effective. Tea or coffee may need to be cut down, and although a little whiskey appears often to aid sleep, its use is to be deprecated. A warm bath, followed by a cool sponge over, is often soothing. The peculiarities of the individual need to be considered with regard to position of pillows and protection from day-light in the early morning. A hop pillow is a favourite old-fashioned remedy, and in no disorder are the benefits of treatment by suggestion more marked. The bed- clothes should be enough, but not too heavy, and a spring mattress is always desirable.
MEDICINAL REMEDIES- All the hypnotics of the Orthodox School, should be avoided Sulphonal, Trional, Veronal, etc. are all dangerous drugs. It is seldom that the drug homoeopathically chosen fails to relieve. If there are no clear indications, Passifiora O and Avena Sat. O in doses of from three to five or more drops are useful aids, and do not establish any drug habit. Other useful remedies are- Aconite, Arsen., Actea., R. Belladonna, Coffea, Chamom., Cuprum, Ferrum, Ignatia, Lachesis, Lycop., Nux Vom., Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Sulphur
SPECIAL INDICATIONS- Aconite Sleeplessness after midnight, with great anxiety and nervous fear; especially for infants and the aged. Arterial excitement.
Arsen- Worse after midnight; nervous exhaustion; great restlessness and prostration.
Bell- Sleeplessness of nervous excitement, especially with flushed face; starting on first falling asleep.
Coffea- Sleeplessness from over-excitement or pleasurable emotion or long watching. All senses more acute.
Chamom- Children with irritability.
Ferrum- After abuse of tea (also Thuja); better after gentle exercise; anaemia.
Ignatia- Sleeplessness from grief, fright or suppressed mental suffering; hysteria.
Lachesis- Complaints worse on awaking; mental excitement.
Lycop- Sleepy by day, wakeful at night; mind over acute.
Nux Vom- Sleep till 3 a.m. then wakeful, Dyspepsia.
Phos- Insomnia of age; giddiness; headache.
Pulsatilla Wakeful till early morning, then sound sleep, but wakes unrefreshed.
Sepia (also Cimic)- Sleeplessness with pelvic disorders in women.
Sulph- Short sleeps, easily broken, then feels wide awake.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."