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

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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.