Barbara L. Heller's How to Sleep Soundly Tonight: 250
Simple and Natural Ways to Prevent Sleeplessness is a primer for
good sleep. Obviously, like many self-help books, Heller's book
has a specific audience in mind: the sleep-challenged. But many
Americans have trouble sleeping. Sometimes the problem stems
from major illness and health issues such as hypoglycemia,
dehydration, chemical imbalance and depression. But more often
than not, according to Heller, people have trouble sleeping
because they make wrong lifestyle choices and because they are
ignorant of the nature of sleep and basic health habits. In
writing this copiously-researched book, Heller seems to be trying
to stop what she considers an epidemic of sleeplessness by
enlightening the reader about the spiritual, psychological and
physical benefits of sleep.
Heller gives her readers a sweeping overview of sleep. No aspect
of sleep is left untouched, including the mechanics, chemistry,
culture and psychology of sleep. She also gives brief
descriptions of various sleep disorders sleep apnea and insomnia
are just two examples-- and then gives a passing nod to the
emotional and physical benefits of dreaming. Once she has shown
why the human brain and body needs sleep, she advances to her
main topic: the many causes, effects, and many simple cures of
sleeplessness. Heller believes that Americans are in an epidemic
of sleep deprivation. The cause for this epidemic is that
Americans generally lack a healthy respect and appreciation for
sleep.
Heller argues that not only is sleep not respected, sleep is
simply denigrated. Work hours, after-hours socializing, the
advancement of technology, and electricity all have contributed
to the American habit of curtailing sleep. Because Americans
don't truly understand the benefits of sleep, rest, and dreaming
and they suffer sleep deprivation without being entirely aware of
their "sleep debt". Americans often equate sleep with laziness
and inefficiency.
Lack of appreciation for sleep is the main cause. But other
causes include hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies and
imbalance, and lifestyle choices. Effects include health issues,
job efficiency and depression. Using accident statistics culled
from governmental resources statistics, Heller shows that the
epidemic of sleeplessness can often be life-threatening. But she
believes the epidemic can be halted.
Heller includes strategies for managing the sleep habits of
infants, teenagers and the aging. The sleepless might have to do
some experimenting before she hits on the cause of her
sleeplessness. With 250 strategies liberally scattered through
its pages, and packed with a lot of easily-digested information,
the average insomniac will find that this is an inexpensive book
with many helpful and inexpensive therapies that just might help
if the reader is willing to make a change.
Some of the required changes are minor. Others, are not-so-minor.
Among the minor lifestyle changes are bedtime rituals,
temperature management, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques such
as meditation, and exercise especially the sun-drenched walks
that re-boot one's circadian rhythm. The major lifestyle changes
include dietary changes --avoidance of items like additives, high
fats, and allergens-- and work schedules. At the end of the book,
she lists other resources such as sleep labs for those whose
sleep disorders are particularly resistant.
With Heller's informative, conversational and motivational
writing, many desperate readers might be inclined to use some of
these simple natural ways instead of using over-the-counter drugs
which may become addictive or increase the sleep imbalance. The
book is not exhaustive, but it is helpful. The reader will
receive an overview but will not be overwhelmed by overly-
scientific or academic studies.
Those who are untroubled by sleeplessness will find interesting
facts about sleep. At the most, it might be a good starting
place to explore dreams, relaxation or the cultural attitudes
toward sleep. For those teenagers or adults who don't who find
nighttime stressful because of chronic or periodic inability to
sleep through the night, this book, sprinkled liberally with
quizzes, quotes and helpful advice might be helpful. All readers
will learn something. Barbara L. Heller has succeeded in giving
sleep the respect it deserves.