Synopses & Reviews
For those who have puzzled over the mysteries of sleep, this panoramic view of modern sleep research by a pioneer in the field offers enlightening answers. Interweaving facts with fascinating case histories and anecdotes, Peretz Lavie discusses all that is known about sleep, dreaming, and sleep disorders, including landmark discoveries from his own sleep laboratory.
"Lavie makes such an engaging raconteur ... that we willingly follow him to the land of the alpha, theta and delta waves, where the spindles and L-complexes roam". -- Dava Sobel, The New York Times Book Review
"Peretz Lavie weaves a magical spell about sleep science through an often personal yet scientifically accurate vision in this very readable small book.... Lavie has produced a literate, informative and entertaining read for those who wish to delve into the mystic realms of sleep and dreams". -- Mary A. Carskadon, Nature
"A welcome blend of science with applications to real human problems pervades Lavie's interesting book". -- Mark Pagel, Quarterly Review of Biology
"Lavie's book is unique and well constructed in many ways. It deserves close scrutiny from those who want to learn more about the fascinating topic of sleep". -- David G. McDonald, Contemporary Psychology
"Lavie is wonderfully well informed about sleep disorders -- how to diagnose them and how to cope with them -- and his clear, authoritative book is an excellent introduction to a complex subject". -- A. Alvarez, The Guardian
Synopsis
Why do we sleep? How much sleep do we really need? What causes sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia--and what can be done about these sleep disorders? Why do older people have more trouble sleeping than young people? We have all puzzled over--or been plagued by--the mysteries of sleep. Now a leading researcher on sleep provides an engaging and informative introduction to the subject that answers many of our questions.
Peretz Lavie surveys the entire field of sleep research and sleep medicine--from the structure of sleep stages and the brain centers involved in sleep regulation to the reasons for and significance of dreams, the importance of sleep in maintaining good health, and the function of biological rhythms--interweaving facts with fascinating case histories, anecdotes, and personal reflections. We learn, for example, about:
-development of sleep patterns from infancy to adulthood and in the aged;
-the wide variety of sleep habits in animals;
-dreams of Holocaust survivors;
-sleep under the threat of Scud missile attacks;
-how melatonin influences sleep;
-the story of the "Acrobat's Leap" sleep-deprivation experiments in the Israeli army;
-how to treat insomnia;
-what to do with a baby who refuses to go to sleep;
and much more.
Originally published in Hebrew to great acclaim, this book will enlighten and entertain everyone interested in how and why we sleep.
Synopsis
For those who have puzzled over the mysteries of sleep, this panoramic view of modern sleep research by a pioneer in the field offers enlightening answers. Interweaving facts with fascinating case histories and anecdotes, Peretz Lavie discusses all that is known about sleep, dreaming, and sleep disorders, including landmark discoveries from his own sleep laboratory.