Sleepfaring: A Journey Through the Science of Sleep by Jim Horne

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Synopsis

Why do we sleep? Are we sleeping enough? Do we suffer stress from "sleep debt"? Why do some of us struggle with sleep disorders? And how can we tackle sleep problems? These are the kinds of questions that make many of us toss and turn all night.
Jim Horne finds answers to these questions and many more in Sleepfaring, a journey through the science and the secrets of sleep. He reveals what goes on in our brains behind the veil of sleep, looks at body clocks, the values of napping, and the controversial question of "sleep debt," and also gives some hints from the latest sleep research that may just help you get a better night's rest. In recent years, the nature of sleep, our sleeping patterns, how much sleep we need, and the dangers of lack of sleep have become increasingly important, as people work longer hours, styles of working have altered, and the separation between workplace and home has been eroded by cell phones and the internet. From drowsiness at the wheel, to stress and insomnia, this is a subject that truly matters to people. Horne draws on the latest research in brain physiology, psychology, medicine, and the many social factors that contribute to sleep problems to reveal what science has discovered about sleep, and problems related to sleep-from snoring to sleep apnea. Nor does Horne shy away from controversy, challenging, for example, the conventional wisdom on the amount of sleep we actually need.
For anyone wishing to know more about the many mysterious processes that begin when we close our eyes each night, Sleepfaring offers a wealth of insight and information.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:M. Isabel L. Crisostomo, MD (Rush University Medical Center)
Description:This comprehensive book takes lay readers on an adventure through the science and the secrets of sleep.
Purpose:The purpose is to discuss all aspects of sleep based on scientific evidence from early pioneering scientific studies to recent research.
Audience:This book is intended primarily for the informed layperson, but its engaging nature, with the discussions of Dr. Horne's research, makes it an enjoyable read also for sleep professionals as well as a worthy addition to both a university library and a public library.
Features:This well organized book is comprehensive, beginning with chapters on the purpose of sleep, the brain, substances mediating sleep, early pioneering experiments in sleep, sleep deprivation, growth during sleep, and beauty sleep. Subsequent chapters deal with measurements of sleepiness, how thought processes are affected by sleepiness, and falling asleep at the wheel. The circadian system and melatonin are discussed in two chapters. Sleep patterns in an epidemiologic study is discussed in another chapter. Brain waves along with sleep stages, especially REM sleep and dreaming, are discussed. The subject of optimal sleep length and sleep debt is discussed in two chapters. The final chapters deal with insomnia, snoring and sleep apnea, and pediatric sleep. The last chapter of this journey through sleep covers future directions in sleep research. Each of the 23 chapters has a bibliography at the end of the book.
Assessment:This quite engaging review of the nature of sleep is directed at laypersons, butproves quite enjoyable for sleep professionals as well. Much like a travelogue provides a description of a scenic area, this book takes us on a fascinating journey through the realm of sleep. It is a very entertaining book for its target audience as well as sleep professionals. It is likely one of the better books on the topic of sleep geared toward the lay public given its readability and organization. I recommend it highly.

Biography

Jim Horne is Professor of Psychophysiology and Director of the Sleep Research Center at the University of Loughborough. He is a fellow of the Institute of Biology and the British Psychological Society, and is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sleep Research. He is the author of Why We Sleep (OUP 1990).