The Harvard Medical School guide to a good night's sleep

Synopsis

Epstein 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 demension to the text. A detailed list of references, particularly of cited studies, would have been helpful; the list included her features only websites. At a time when sleep deprivation seems to prevalent in our society, this book is a welcome addition to the literature. It belongs in all consumer helath collections, especially in public libraries.