Sleeplessness is most usually caused by some disturbance of circulation - often the result of nervous excitement. Anything that produces great activity of the mind, such as grief, joy, business cares, anger, stimulants, or drugs, may produce insomnia. It may also be caused by great fatigue and pain, but the principal cause is indigestion. Disorders of nutrition may both be the cause, and the result of insomnia.

The diet, of course, will depend much on the cause. If it be from an excess of food-engorgement, - give nature a chance to unload. If the cause be of a social character, get rid of the cause, and by all means leave off tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor, or at least, reduce the quantity to a nominal amount. In cases of long standing, where there is physical weakness, massage, in connection with proper diet, will work wonders. In ordinary cases, a brisk walk will draw the blood from the head and regulate the circulation. When there is apparently good health, and no great amount of nervousness, a light supper at 6 P. M. with a glass of milk - malted milk preferable - or a baked apple, or even a piece of bread before retiring will be sufficient to insure sleep. If the food supply be regulated according to the needs of the system as already explained, the worst cases will readily yield. (See Dilatation of Stomach.)