7/3-Stress Sleep and Health

Dr. Larry Epstein - The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep

According to Dr. Lawrence Epstein, recent President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep, sleeping is as important to health and well being as diet and exercise. However, as we are constantly bombarded with commercials for sleep medications, it is clear that America is having a difficult time getting a good night’s sleep.

One of the nation’s premiere sleep experts, Dr. Epstein arms readers with his proven, six-step plan to improve sleep. He presents tips for dealing with common issues such as insomnia, disrupted sleep, daytime exhaustion, restlessness, sleepwalking, and the many other chronic sleep conditions suffered by more than 70 million Americans.

Dr. Epstein thoroughly explains what happens during sleep as well as how to determine the amount of sleep we need. He then presents his plan which is based on the following:

• Recognizing the importance of a good night’s sleep
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle
• Maintaining good sleep habits
• Creating the optimal sleep environment
• Watching out for sleep saboteurs
• Seeking help for persistent sleep problems

In addition, The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep offers readers advice on how to silence snoring, help their children go to sleep and stay asleep, handle jet lag, cope with shift work, and stay awake at the wheel. Those who have trouble sleeping will find that they don’t necessarily need to take a pill to fall and stay asleep.

According to a recent review in Library Journal, “Epstein has collaborated with freelance health writer Mardon to produce an accessible and highly readable volume on sleep…At a time when sleep deprivation seems so prevalent in our society, this book is a welcome addition to the literature. It belongs in all consumer health collections, especially in public libraries.”

The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep is a premium resource for people who suffer from sleep disorders and their families, the doctors and other health care professionals who treat them, and anyone who wants to get a good night’s rest.

Lawrence Epstein, M.D., is the regional medical director for the Harvard-affiliated Sleep HealthCenters and an instructor at Harvard Medical School and was recently president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He lives in Boston. Steven Mardon is a professional writer who specializes in health topics.