SLEEP

A quick summary of sleep’s purposes, stages, and disorders, with advice about how to get more of it.

Bjazevich starts off in an informational rush with mentions of “circadian rhythms,” “homeostatic sleep drive,” and the brain’s “suprachiasmatic nucleus” on the very first page—but then goes on to dish out a mishmash of qualified claims and broad generalities: “Reduced health risks” are one of sleep’s “potential benefits” and that it’s “not uncommon” for people who are deaf to sign in their sleep. Late naps, caffeinated drinks, or electronic devices used too close to bedtime “might make sleeping more difficult.” Outdoor exercise “may improve and promote sleep.” Alarmingly, childhood growth “could be slowed or stunted” by a consistent lack of down time. Diabetes and obesity have also been linked to too little sleep…but also too much (“more research is needed.” No kidding). Along with splashes of bright color, Eigner poses a large cast of figures, mostly children, all of whom range in skin tone, bedding down or posing as simplified anatomical models. The author does broaden her scope with closing pages of sleeping animals and of different types of beds throughout history and all over the world, from futons to hammocks. Still, young readers (or their parents) in search of practical and effective ways to achieve healthy sleep habits will come away with a clear impression that science has little to offer beyond equivocations.

An eye-glazing overview.