OVERCOMING INSOMNIA: A Medical Program for Problem Sleepers

by Donald. M.D. Sweeney ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 10, 1988

From the frivolous (creaking floorboards) to the serious (sleep apnea), knowledgeable help in eliminating sleep problems. Psychiatrist Sweeney has found in his years of clinical practice that sleep disturbance is part of virtually every medical and psychiatric condition. Rather than a disease entity itself, he says, insomnia is ""a symptom of a deeper disruption in the patient's mental or physical well-being."" Sweeney first guides readers in ""Assessing Your Sleep Pattern,"" through a series of self-tests on life-style habits, and then a three-week sleep diary. He goes on to discuss possible causes of insomnia, ranging from life-style to medical disorders, and explains the importance of sleep and each of its stages. Sweeney then looks at insomnia in more detail: from difficulty falling or staying asleep, to difficulty staying awake, to parasomnias (sleepwalking and sleeptalking). These discussions are helped along by brief patient anecdotes and case stories. Finally, Sweeney moves on to the cures: ""Helping Yourself to a Good Night's Sleep""; helping children sleep better; professional help, including drug therapy. He also discusses dreams and nightmares (""In England a man dreamed he was pursued by two Japanese soldiers. He strangled one--and awakened to find he had just killed his wife""). Sweeney is informative and concerned. Insomniac readers might well find some aid here.

Pub Date: Jan. 10, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1988

Categories: NONFICTION