Coping with Sleep Disorders

School Library Journal

Gr 7 UpUsing frequent personal and family examples, Simpson examines a variety of disorders and the physical and psychological problems associated with them. She begins with a general introduction to sleep, then describes the causes, symptoms, consequences, cures (when available), and ways of coping or compensating for each disorder. Insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, myoclonus, and circadian rhythm- based sleep problems are discussed. Parasomnias are also covered. The writing style is clear and straightforward. Most interesting is a three-page appendix relating what goes on at a sleep clinic. This title is less technical than William Dement's Some Must Watch While Some Must Sleep (Norton, 1978). It's a good starting place for anyone wanting basic personal or report information about sleep disorders and the impact they have on people's lives.Lois McCulley, Wichita Falls High School, TX