Temperature of Neutral Bath
The Neutral Bath.—This is an immersion bath, taking its name from the fact that it is neither hot nor cold, but warm —near (just below) the temperature of the body itself. While the average temperature used is 94 to 95 degrees, it may be from 92 to 97 degrees. The lower temperatures are to be used when the skin is flushed and the patient feels feverish, the higher ones for those who have little blood and body heat and are thin. The water should cover the whole body up to the chin. Friction should be avoided during and after the bath, since it neutralizes the desired sedative effects.
The neutral full bath is of especial value for those whose occupations and professions demand great mental activity with very little muscular exercise. Insomnia due to excessive mental activity or high nervous tension, as well as that re¬sulting from numerous other causes, is more quickly com-batted by this bath than by almost any other measure. Many centuries ago Hippocrates recommended and prescribed it for insomnia. However, if it is to be effective for this purpose, much care must be taken to prevent chilling upon removal from the bath.
The patient should be dried by gentle patting after being wrapped in a sheet and blankets. In some cases removal from the bath disturbs the patient and neutralizes its sleep-producing effect. In these cases it may be advisable to allow him to sleep in the bath, even for several hours, a watch being provided to see that his head remains above water. This should be necessary, however, only when the patient cannot sleep otherwise.