196 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



ing effect. Warm water cleanses more quickly and 

 thoroughly than tepid. It also induces more blood 

 to come to the surface of the skin ; without greatly 

 stimulating the action of the heart. For this reason, 

 it has a quiet, soothing effect on the nervous system, 

 being useful not only in cleansing the skin, but also 

 in helping to bring restful sleep. People troubled 

 with insomnia often find that a warm bath just before 

 retiring is an excellent help in gaining a good night's 

 sleep, for uneven circulation or too much blood in the 

 head is often the cause of sleeplessness. 



Hot water cleanses the skin more readily than warm, 

 and also has a much greater effect on the heart's action. 

 On this account, it is not as restful to some people, 

 making them wakeful if taken just before retiring. 

 A hot bath causes a profuse flow of perspiration. 

 Consequently it relieves the body of impurities, and, 

 if taken in time, often prevents a cold. Where there 

 is not opportunity for a full tub bath, soaking one's 

 feet in hot water will frequently ward off a cold, and 

 will likewise prove a valuable aid in inducing sleep. 

 Usually the best time for warm or hot baths is just 

 before retiring at night, or at least two or three hours 

 after meals. If they are taken near meal time, the 

 extra supply of blood drawn to the surface of the 

 body may hinder digestion. 



Cold baths do not cleanse the skin as well as the 

 other kinds that have been mentioned. However, 

 when taken daily, and followed by thorough rubbing, 



