Physical Training for Women by Japanese Methods (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI SLEEP AND ITS VALUE THERE cannot be too much emphasis laid on the importance of sleep at the proper hours. And the Japanese insist upon all the regularity that is possible in the way of retiring and rising hours. It must be a matter of individual experience as to what hours are best for sleep. A broadside statement may be made that the average Japanese, man or woman, retires at about nine in the evening, and rises at five, or shortly after, in the morning. This would signify that the average amount of rest should be something like eight hours in the twenty-four. If the rest must be had in the daytime the stay in bed should occupy more time, but few women are under the necessity of employment through the night. If there be insomnia--which is rare in Japan --the jiu-jitsu student is advised to sit up until an hour later than formerly indicating the hour of retiring. In other words, the student must sit up until she is thoroughly tired. Then she may go to bed, and, if necessary, may sleep later in the morning. As a rule, it is much better for insomniacs to arise when it is realised that the tour of rest is finished. It is difficult to prescribe rules as to rest. In this matter the student must use her own intelligence to a great degree. "Tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep," is a matter that cannot be gauged by a standard. Some women are able to get along comfortably with six hours of rest. Others require anywhere from seven to ten. The thin and nervous woman requires anywhere from eight to ten hours in bed. As a rule she does not get this amount of repose, and suffers as a consequence. Often the stout and phlegmatic woman can do with six hours of rest. She will not content herself with this, and therefore becomes more stout. Food, too, has...