Sleep reimagined The fast track to a revitalized life

Neurologist Navab debuts with a sensible program for treating sleep problems. "When individuals sleep better... hopefulness extends to their waking lives," he contends, discussing how to overcome sleep disturbances arising from insomnia, sleep apnea, and traumatic memories. Navab outlines the four stages of sleep, noting that brain activity slows down during the first stage and that REM sleep (stage four) is integral to memory consolidation. Fictional case studies illustrate how sleep disorders manifest, as when the author describes an imagined session with a successful Los Angeles chef suffering from nocturnal panic attacks, to whom Navab recommends the 4-7-8 method that pulls the body out of fight-or-flight mode by breathing in for four seconds, holding for seven, then breathing out for eight. The cases bring a novelistic flair, though the level of detail sometimes feels gratuitous given the clients are fictional, as when Navab describes a patient whose "dazzling blue eyes... were brighter and stronger before this pandemic that had stolen the person she once was." The advice delivers though, whether keeping a sleep diary to identify habits that might be cutting into one's rest or imagining oneself in a relaxing "halcyon scene" as a "distraction from your insomnia." This solid manual will put readers to sleep, in a good way. (Dec.)

Up to 20 million people in the United States experience chronic insomnia. Neurologist Navab (founder, Los Angeles Sleep Institute) aims to share his knowledge gained as a sleep medicine specialist in a practical and welcoming way to help readers alleviate their sleep disorders. In Part 1, he presents fictionalized narratives of patients discussing their problems with sleep. The stories are meant to allow readers to recognize their own scenario and to learn about possible solutions in a casual manner. The use of light boxes or natural sunlight, documenting sleep patterns, taking supplements, and mindfulness practices are common recommended treatments. The second part of the book presents a step-by-step plan based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-1) for insomnia. The author explains how sleep functions in the body and why problems may occur, and he provides more details about the techniques described earlier in the book. VERDICT Navab's supportive and optimistic tone, combined with an approachable action plan, make this a useful addition to public and consumer health collections.--Anitra Gates