How to Sleep Well: The Science of Sleeping Smarter, Living Better and Being Productive

Despite the title this is not really a self help book that will help you get a good night's sleep. Instead it seems to be attempting to myth bust in the field of sleep.The edition I read has several typos (including in the author's website). None of these really change the meaning of anything being said but there are enough typos to make me worry about quality of proof reading and fact checking.I assume that the target audience is lay people hoping to improve their sleep so the author has gone for a conversational tone and tried to keep the science a bit lighter. This book frequently dismisses research or claims, and provides reason for doing so but without quoting any literature which means, for the purposes of this book, the reasons are unverified. The author seems to think we should simply take his word for it but apparently not extend others the same credit.I realise that not everyone will want a book filled with scientific references but there are ways to provide this without affecting the read quality.

A lazy attempt. Lots of padding. Could have been written in 20 pages not 200. Don't bother with it.

If you want a book that informs what sleep is; why we sleep and why sleep is important, that’s easy to read and understand, dispels the myths in a common sense, humorous way whilst explaining the science, then this is the book for you. Dr Stanley’s extensive experience in the sleep arena, through practical knowledge and research has enabled him to be an expert in this subject. He takes the reader through the historical aspects of sleep to present day beliefs, theories and opinions with thought-provoking narrative and anecdotes.The chapter on sleep disorders and treatments is helpful in identifying issues and when to seek medical and professional advice, but for anyone who is worried about their sleep the sleep hygiene information is a good starting point for self-help.His view on current brain overload is interesting, especially given the advent of technology in the last 50 years, with the 24-hour society and blue light interference with computer screens and smart phones etc.; it’s no wonder that sleep is such a current topic of discussion with newspaper headlines occurring almost daily. People are happy to forgo sleep, and suffer the consequences rather than get a few early nights. The advent of sleep apps and trackers might help to convince them to sleep more.The chapters on ‘Why we are not Sleeping’ and ‘How to get your child to sleep’ were particularly interesting and relevant for me as a grandmother. I had never considered that glow-in-the-dark night-lights and mobiles might be scary, how much more reassuring to spend time relaxing and reading to them instead.I highly recommend this book for its straightforward approach, knowledge and advice.

I loved this book and I work for a Furniture Shop as a Bed Specialist.A truly honest review of sleep and correct advice as well as injecting a sense of humour.It totally shows you about the correct way to achieve a good nights sleep and dismisses all the other rubbish that is often written.I thoroughly recommend that you read this and ignore all the other daily things that have been written about how to achieve a good nights sleep!

Excellent book! I hate reading non fiction, but this one kept my interest. Have a friend who recently cycled Lands End to John O'Groats, he mentioned that this book was being discussed and recommended amongst many of the riders during ride. This book covers many situations including staying in hotels, but misses discussing situations related to camping. I feel it would be an amusing addition.