The mystery of sleep Why a good night's rest is vital to a better, healthier life

Kryger's engaging tour through the nether land of sleep blends colloquial case reports and practical advice with current scientific findings. Kryger (Yale School of Medicine), a renowned authority on sleep, primarily focuses the discussion on sleep requirements and various obstacles to achieving them, while acknowledging that some of the purposes of sleep remain unclear. The book's four parts cover sleep through the life cycle, identifying sleep problems, serious sleep ailments (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy), and how one suffering from sleep issues can obtain the proper help. Although most of the book's material is not new, the presentation is appealing. Interesting topics include a concise explanation of jet lag that differentiates tips for flying east from flying west, and information pertaining to the fact that people routinely used to sleep sitting up, an unconventional position today that can foster a good night's sleep. This work offers interesting information relating to all aspects of sleep and will serve as a significant resource for those who wish to learn more about the subject. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Jane D. Saxton, Bastyr University

Kryger, a Yale Medical School professor and recognized sleep expert, seeks to educate readers about the effects of sleep disorders on daily (and nightly) lives. He stresses that "the one thing scientists are certain of" about sleep is that insufficient amounts interfere with people's ability to think clearly and perform complex tasks. Part one of the book discusses physiological basics and sleep's role at each stage of life, from infancy to old age, with specific chapters on how changing reproductive and growth hormone levels affect sleep. Part two is concerned with identifying sleep disorders, resetting the body clock, and coping with a world of constant distractions. Part three addresses insomnia and its probable causes at length, plus facts, signs, and symptoms of conditions that disrupt sleep: restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, medical and psychiatric conditions, and drugs prescribed for common health conditions. Part four, the most useful section, describes where to get help for common recurring problems, whether that means visiting a sleep clinic, beating insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy, or taking sleep medication. Kryger's self-help book ably marries science with a doctor's advice, but reveals little that isn't already available elsewhere. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.