Nodding Off

May 7, 2018
A thorough and somewhat exhausting resource on the subject of rest, this book covers the importance of healthy sleep from the womb to old age. Gregory, a sleep researcher, discusses abnormal sleep patterns, disorders, and sleep deprivation, while also offering tips for sounder sleep, such as fresh sheets, keeping pets out of bed, and removing the television from the bedroom. She tackles such questions as how one’s genetic wiring might affect one’s nights and whether sleep disorders in children could be linked to experiences in the womb. Gregory strikes a cautious tone, noting the limitations of the numerous studies mentioned and reminding readers that the science of sleep is far from conclusive. She suggests parents get adolescent children to bed by “10 p.m. or earlier,” citing studies which found a relationship between late bedtimes and depression—but acknowledges that depression could just as easily be a cause as an effect. Throughout, she notes there are “as many unanswered questions as answered ones,” such as why sleep quality tends to decline with age, citing such possible factors as changes in behavior, hormone levels, and health. A compendium of science, trivia, and common sense, this book will have some readers excited, and others yawning by the end of the first chapter.

June 1, 2018
A British sleep expert provides an overview of what we know about sleep, which turns out to be quite a lot and also not enough.Gregory begins by pointing out that animals deprived of sleep will die. Humans who are kept awake become sleepy, confused, and delirious. Everyone agrees that sleep is essential to life, and many explanations exist, which means that no one knows why. "Although we sleep each night," writes the author, "defining it is tricky. What exactly is it?" The popular (i.e., unproven) belief about why sleep is necessary is that the body must rest to eliminate toxins and regenerate energy. There is better evidence that the brain itself uses sleep to solidify and consolidate the day's input: learning and memories. Proceeding chronologically, the author describes how we sleep during the various periods of life, with special attention to what happens when things go wrong. She does not neglect neuroscience but emphasizes her specialty, focusing on psychological studies, surveys, educational research, and interviews. Gregory is a researcher, not a physician, but readers will have no doubt that her editors made it clear that the audience for a book on sleep science is minuscule compared with the apparently bottomless market for medical advice. A first-time writer, she takes the hint enthusiastically but mostly pours out generalities--e.g., "big and stressful events in our lives can trigger insomnia." As a good scientist, she warns that individual responses vary widely, and research backing many treatments and advice is thin or absent entirely.Readers looking for help on sleep problems should consult one of the books Gregory recommends. Those who are merely curious will learn fascinating details of what scientists know about sleep, including its familiar and bizarre disorders, and how they are learning more.

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Starred review from June 15, 2018

Among the plethora of recent sleep science books, Gregory's (psychology, Univ. of London) is a standout. Chapters are organized by life stage, each including age-appropriate sleep advice, such as exciting bedtime stories may cause children to sleep less well than will more calming tales. A notable section on infant sleep discusses the genetics of sleep and the influence of nature vs. nurture in rest patterns. The author introduces sleep disorders in the chapter corresponding to the age at which each particular problem can first appear. One segment covers sleep in children with autism and ADHD. More than half of the volume is dedicated to the sleep habits and concerns of people age 25 and under, which is unique in sleep science books not specifically written about children. The final chapter ends with a thought experiment about pills that might eventually do away with our need for sleep. VERDICT Of particular interest to parents and educators who deal with issues surrounding children's and teen's sleep (or lack thereof), but also useful to those of any age who suffer from problems that prevent proper rest.--Rachel Owens, Daytona State Coll. Lib., FL

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