Draws on cutting-edge sleep science and time-tested techniques in a guide to understanding what contributes to sleep problems and how to minimize medication dependency, sharing coverage of subjects ranging from insomnia and sleep apnea to restless leg syndrome and circadian sleep disorders.

An introduction to sleep medicine -- What is sleep good for? Absolutely everything! -- Primary drives: why we love bacon, coffee, and a weekend nap -- Sleepy versus fatigued: too tired for your BodyPump class or falling asleep on the mat? -- Sleep stages: how deep can you go? -- Vigilance and arousal (sorry but not that arousal) -- Sleep state misperception: how did this drool get on my shirt? -- Circadian rhythms: the clock that needs no winding -- Sleep hygiene: clean bed equals sleepyhead -- Insomnia: I haven't slept in years, yet I'm strangely still alive -- Hard insomnia: please don't hate me when you read this -- Sleeping aids: the promise of perfect sleep in a little plastic bottle -- Sleep schedules: I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm late for bed -- Napping: best friend or worst enemy? -- Snoring and apnea: not just a hideous sound -- Other sleep conditions so strange, they must be serious -- Time for a sleep study.