The sleep fix Practical, proven, and surprising solutions for insomnia, snoring, shift work, and more

In her sleep guide/sleep memoir, ABC-TV anchor and reporter Macedo manages to be both chatty and authoritative. She mixes personal anecdotes (3 a.m. wake-up calls) with surprising tips (200- to 400-thread count sheets breathe more and are better for shut-eye than super-high- thread count ones) and covers everything from caffeine consumption to sleeping pills. "Booze and snooze"? Not good. Lying on your left side? Good. It helps prevent acid reflux and snoring. (To prevent yourself from rolling out of this position, attach a tennis ball to the back of your pajamas.) Not sure if you need more Zs? Place a metal tray beside your bed and a spoon in your hand, note the time, and close your eyes for an afternoon nap. If it takes less than five minutes for the silverware to drop and wake you, you're severely deprived. Macedo also shares stories from friends (including pro wrestler Kofi Kingston, a college pal). Throughout, she conveys her fascination with sleep and her love for her career, even though it sometimes requires her to "live like a vampire." It's a winning formula.

"There's plenty you can do right now at home, to help you get better sleep," writes ABC News anchor (and former insomniac) Macedo in her comprehensive debut on solving sleep problems. "Different sleep issues... require different solutions," she writes, and begins with summaries of common sleep disorders including insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. She then digs into advice for shaping up one's sleep habits, environment, and schedule (especially helpful for shift workers). Macedo recommends keeping a sleep diary, outlines vitamins that help with sleep (magnesium, D, and B6 among them), and breaks down the ideal bedroom temperature (rather than a certain number, the best bet is to keep it cooler than the rest of the house). She also advises on meal timing and technology use (night-time modes on phones and TVs are a good idea), and provides some relaxation exercises. Macedo's guide is jam-packed with information--so much so that readers may experience a bit of overload and wish for chapter summaries to keep it all straight. Still, those struggling with sleep are sure to find this a valuable resource. (Dec.)