In the matter to going to sleep we perform the act of self-hypnotism and without any thought of this fact we place ourselves under the influences most favorable to hypnosis and yield to them. We seek quietude and the most comfortable position possible and then we strive to render our minds passive and to concentrate the thought upon only one idea and that is the idea of sleep. Practice has convinced us that we will go to sleep under such circumstances and we are accordingly overcome by self-hypnosis. Unfavorable influences may keep us awake, just as they may prevent the subject from being hypnotized by the operator.

It is an excellent plan to cultivate the habit of self-hypnotism to the degree of being able to go to sleep at any moment desired. Prof. O. S. Fowler, the noted phrenologist, declared that in the midst of a public demonstration he would frequently excuse himself for a short intermission, when someone else would entertain the audience, and, retiring to an ante-room, he would sink into a chair and quickly force himself to sleep for a few minutes. This sleep would refresh him wonderfully and he would reappear upon the stage with renewed vigor, to finish his demonstrations and lecture in a most vivacious manner.