THE HYGIENE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 171 



complexes of the nervous system before they are restored. 

 In different cases this requisite inhibition is secured 

 in very different ways. Sometimes hard and simple 

 manual work will induce it. Sometimes a deliberate 

 withholding of sympathy from a nervous subject, a stead- 

 fast refusal to give him the center of the stage, has 

 worked wonders. He has silenced his own complaints 

 and mastered his own situation. In many case- 

 religious or semi-religious ideal, a conviction of a great 

 and restful reality beyond oneself, has steadied the 

 feverish system and given it poise. 



Of course the progress of recovery is helped by many 

 conditions that may be controlled. The causes that led 

 to the trouble are to be removed so far as they have 

 been discovered. They may be physical disorders, 

 calling for medical, surgical, or dietetic treatment. 

 The wearing of proper glasses may be important. So 

 far as the disturbing factors have been in the nature of 

 care, worry, domestic friction, and disappointment, 

 the circumstances must be made easier where this is 

 possible and fresh interests are to be invited. Life 

 needs to be simplified until it does not seem distracting 

 but it must not be made stagnant. Outdoor exercise 

 is essential. 



Rest and Sleep. We have seen that extreme fatigue 

 fails to bring automatically the rest which is desirable. 

 But ordinarily in health the inclination to rest after 

 activity is fairly trustworthy. The question is often 

 asked how far a change is a rest and how far actual 

 repose is to be insisted on. It is probable that some 

 strenuous individuals have pushed the doctrine that a 

 change is a rest farther than it should be carried. It is 

 a truth with limitations. 



The most complete rest is in sleep. In this state we 

 spend about one-third of our lives. Its nature is not 

 wholly clear but it may be said that to be awake is 

 more wonderful than to be asleep. The evident fact 

 is that the sleeping brain, particularly the cerebrum. 



