104 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 



" 2. Those nervous subjects who are also dyspeptic need not ex- 

 pect to restore their nerves till they restore their stomachs. The 

 corruption engendered by impaired digestion, is so great as to keep 

 even healthy nerves in a perpetual fever. This irritating cause 

 must be removed before health can be restored ; directions for which 

 will be found under dyspepsia. 



" 3. Nervous people are particularly troubled with restlessness. 

 Though perpetually worn out for want of rest, they can compose 

 themselves to sleep only with difficulty, sleep lightly, are restless, 

 disturbed by dreams, easily wakened, and find great difficulty in 

 again getting to sleep. Hence such should sleep ALL THEY CAN. 

 No cure for nervousnes at all equals sleep j nor are eight and even 

 ten hours per diem too much for such. They sleep slowly when 

 asleep, yet exhaust themselves rapidly while awake, and hence 

 should devote the more time to this all-important function. Let 

 such observe with especial assiduity the directions for promoting 

 sleep already prescribed. To such, light suppers and as much 

 exercise as can be well borne will be found especially important. 

 Yet such hate to move till obliged to, and then are perpetually lia- 

 ble to over exertion not to do too much absolutely, but too FAST, so 

 as to induce that trembling already pointed out as a sign of this. 

 If they would only exercise moderately, they might do a great deal 

 more, but their nervousness renders them always in a great hurry, 

 and hence they take hold of exercise too rashly. Such should work 

 moderately till just comfortably tired, then rest awhile, perhaps lie 

 down, and, if possible, take a nap, then return to work, and thus 

 often alternate between action and rest. Day naps to the nervous 

 will be found especially serviceable. 



" 4. To the influence of griefyand all kinds of sadness, melan- 

 choly, and despondency, special attention is invited. See how 

 many tolerably healthy mothers have become nervous immediately 

 on the death of a dearly beloved friend or child, have declined 

 rapidly, and soon after followed their lost one to a premature grave. 

 Those at all predisposed to nervous disorder, who may lose friends, 

 must banish grief, and, as far as possible, not indulge it. Must their 

 death hasten yours 7 If your grief could benefit their souls, indulge 

 it ; but since it injuries you in the most effectual manner possible, 

 without doing any good, practical wisdom dictates its banishment. 

 Instead, cultivate cheerfulness and even mirth. Nothing will 

 equally soothe irritated nerves, or tend to restore their tone and 

 happy function. 



