Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Sleep is vital to the way we learn, remember and forget, to how we feel about family and partners, our wellbeing, and our mental and physical health. It is essential for life itself. In Nodding Off , renowned sleep researcher Alice Gregory explores every aspect of sleep, from the different stages of sleep and how our sleeping patterns change throughout our lives, to what happens when things go wrong and getting some shut-eye becomes more of a trial than a pleasure.

Using cutting-edge findings in the field, Gregory tackles the big questions, such as:

- How do things that happen before we are even born affect our sleep?
- What sleep problems should raise a red flag in children?
- How do genes influence the way we sleep?
- What are the consequences of sleep problems in the elderly?
- Why are scientists turning to sleep disorders such as sleep paralysis to try to understand paranormal experiences?

Most of us spend a large portion of our lives asleep without ever thinking about why we do this. Nodding Off lifts the lid on this mysterious and universal past time. It examines all of the biggest sleep secrets, and Professor Gregory provides solutions to some of the common sleep problems that people suffer throughout their lives.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Note from the Author (p. 9)
• Prologue (p. 11)
• Chapter 1 Sleep 101 (p. 17)
• Chapter 2 Sleeping Like a Baby Sleep in the First Years of Life (p. 37)
• Chapter 3 Preschool and School-Aged Children: The Rainbow of Sleep Problems (p. 67)
• Chapter 4 Laaazzzy? Adolescents' Sleep (p. 101)
• Chapter 5 Sleep in Youth Sleep, Atypical Development and Mental Health (p. 127)
• Chapter 6 Becoming an Adult A Sleep a Day Helps Us Work, Rest and Play (p. 153)
• Chapter 7 Sleep During the Rush-Hour Years of Our Lives (p. 171)
• Chapter 8 It's a Long Hard Night the Sleep of Older Adults (p. 205)
• Chapter 9 A Ticket to the Land of Nod: Tips to Get Your Best Sleep and Make Dreams Come True (p. 227)
• References (p. 255)
• Acknowledgements (p. 296)
• Index (p. 299)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Among the plethora of recent sleep science books, Gregory's (psychology, Univ. of London) is a standout. Chapters are organized by life stage, each including age--appropriate sleep advice, such as exciting bedtime stories may cause children to sleep less well than will more calming tales. A notable section on infant sleep discusses the genetics of sleep and the influence of nature vs. nurture in rest patterns. The author introduces sleep disorders in the chapter corresponding to the age at which each particular problem can first appear. One segment covers sleep in children with autism and ADHD. More than half of the volume is dedicated to the sleep habits and concerns of people age 25 and under, which is unique in sleep science books not specifically written about children. The final chapter ends with a thought experiment about pills that might eventually do away with our need for sleep. VERDICT Of particular interest to parents and educators who deal with issues surrounding children's and teen's sleep (or lack thereof), but also useful to those of any age who suffer from problems that prevent proper rest.-Rachel Owens, Daytona State Coll. Lib., FL © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

A thorough and somewhat exhausting resource on the subject of rest, this book covers the importance of healthy sleep from the womb to old age. Gregory, a sleep researcher, discusses abnormal sleep patterns, disorders, and sleep deprivation, while also offering tips for sounder sleep, such as fresh sheets, keeping pets out of bed, and removing the television from the bedroom. She tackles such questions as how one's genetic wiring might affect one's nights and whether sleep disorders in children could be linked to experiences in the womb. Gregory strikes a cautious tone, noting the limitations of the numerous studies mentioned and reminding readers that the science of sleep is far from conclusive. She suggests parents get adolescent children to bed by "10 p.m. or earlier," citing studies which found a relationship between late bedtimes and depression-but acknowledges that depression could just as easily be a cause as an effect. Throughout, she notes there are "as many unanswered questions as answered ones," such as why sleep quality tends to decline with age, citing such possible factors as changes in behavior, hormone levels, and health. A compendium of science, trivia, and common sense, this book will have some readers excited, and others yawning by the end of the first chapter. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Booklist Review

In this comprehensive yet accessible book, sleep expert Gregory analyzes sleep at each of life's stages, from infancy to adolescence, adulthood, and old age. After describing the stages of sleep, she explains just what happens during shut-eye and why it's so important. According to studies, sleep is affected by both outside and inside factors, and a lack of sleep can contribute to mental and developmental issues. Each chapter opens by listing the recommended hours of sleep for each age group and then dissects the problems that can be sabotaging their rest. Infants get hungry at night; preschoolers can be overstimulated; teens' inner clocks are set for late nights; older adults can be depressed. Gregory takes care to contrast normal sleep problems with serious disorders and offers help for both. In a final chapter, the author lists helpful tips for a better night's sleep and warns readers against gadgets and gimmicks that flood the market. Although Gregory is British, there are enough U.S. studies and examples in her references to make this useful for American audiences.--Candace Smith Copyright 2018 Booklist

Kirkus Book Review

A British sleep expert provides an overview of what we know about sleep, which turns out to be quite a lot and also not enough.Gregory begins by pointing out that animals deprived of sleep will die. Humans who are kept awake become sleepy, confused, and delirious. Everyone agrees that sleep is essential to life, and many explanations exist, which means that no one knows why. "Although we sleep each night," writes the author, "defining it is tricky. What exactly is it?" The popular (i.e., unproven) belief about why sleep is necessary is that the body must rest to eliminate toxins and regenerate energy. There is better evidence that the brain itself uses sleep to solidify and consolidate the day's input: learning and memories. Proceeding chronologically, the author describes how we sleep during the various periods of life, with special attention to what happens when things go wrong. She does not neglect neuroscience but emphasizes her specialty, focusing on psychological studies, surveys, educational research, and interviews. Gregory is a researcher, not a physician, but readers will have no doubt that her editors made it clear that the audience for a book on sleep science is minuscule compared with the apparently bottomless market for medical advice. A first-time writer, she takes the hint enthusiastically but mostly pours out generalitiese.g., "big and stressful events in our lives can trigger insomnia." As a good scientist, she warns that individual responses vary widely, and research backing many treatments and advice is thin or absent entirely.Readers looking for help on sleep problems should consult one of the books Gregory recommends. Those who are merely curious will learn fascinating details of what scientists know about sleep, including its familiar and bizarre disorders, and how they are learning more. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.