The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep by Lawrence Epstein, Steven Mardon

From the Publisher

Put your sleep problems to rest with this proven six-step plan

How many times have you heard it's important to get a good night's sleep? It sounds simple, but it isn't always easy. Now one of the nation's leading sleep experts gives you a step-by-step program for overcoming sleep problems from insomnia and snoring to restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.

Dr. Lawrence Epstein of Harvard Medical School reveals his proven six-step plan to maximize your nights and energize your days. He explains the health benefits of sleep and identifies signs of sleep problems as he gives in-depth advice on how to:

• Turn your bedroom into the optimal sleep environment
  
  
• Finally overcome insomnia
  
  
• Silence buzz-saw snoring
  
  
• Relax restless legs
  
  
• Deal with daytime exhaustion
  
  
• Determine if sleep medication is right for you
  
  
• Improve your sleep by improving your child's sleep
  
  

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Regina Rosa Lopez, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description:This book provides basic information on sleep and sleep disorders.
Purpose:According to the author, the purpose is to create a source readers could come to for general information as well as specific steps for identifying and solving problems. These are worthy objectives given an increase interest in sleep and a high prevalence of sleep difficulties in the general population. The book was able to meet these objectives as it is written at an appropriate level for the target audience.
Audience:It would be useful for anyone who has an interest in learning more about sleep or who has a sleep problem. The author, a former president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, is the regional director for the Harvard-affiliated Sleep HealthCenters and is an instructor at Harvard Medical School.
Features:The book covers basic information on sleep physiology, factors that can cause sleep problems, sleep disorders, and treatments. It is easy to read and understand. The figures and tables augment and further clarify the text. Case examples are included. Women's health issues related to sleep are also addressed. A chapter is devoted to a six-step plan for better sleep.
Assessment:This is a helpful and easy to read book. I will definitely recommend it to my patients with sleep problems.

Library Journal

Epstein (medicine, Harvard Medical Sch.; regional medical director, Sleep Health Ctrs.) has collaborated with freelance health writer Mardon to produce an accessible and highly readable volume on sleep. The book is divided into two parts: "Understanding the Need for Sleep" and "Sleep Disorders and Their Treatments." Epstein thoroughly explains the physical need for sleep, examines common sleep myths and facts as well as sleep disorders, and provides concrete plans for getting needed rest. The book includes a very detailed description of the medications available for the array of sleep disorders he describes. Case studies are sprinkled throughout, adding an engaging dimension to the text. A detailed list of references, particularly of cited studies, would have been helpful; the list included here features only web sites. At a time when sleep deprivation seems so prevalent in our society, this book is a welcome addition to the literature. It belongs in all consumer health collections, especially in public libraries. Mary Grace Flaherty, Sidney Memorial P.L., NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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