Growth in technology has changed our world incredibly in a myriad of different ways, sometimes, although not always, for best. The author himself in India was brought up in a totally different world, where sleep patterns were dictated by nature (as they are for most creatures.) However, living in the United States created in itself automatic lifestyle changes, and in his late forties he discovered that he needed to review his lifestyle and make small changes in order to bring his home/work life back into balance. When making these changes he wanted to find natural and practical methods to improve his sleep, and enable him to live a happier and healthier life. It is these findings, and his years of working with patients from all walks of life, experiencing first-hand the health consequences the uptrend in sleep disorders have caused,  that led to his decision to publish this, his first book, a easy to understand guide for both personal and professional use.

I just loved this Thomas Merton quote from the book “Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.” Why? Because this is the ethos the author goes by. He has, throughout this book emphasised that sleep is not a separate entity, but an essential part of our whole wellbeing, both mentally and physically. He begins with ‘Sleep Basics’ and clarifies the different types of sleep, and their functions. He then goes on to explain how the modern world is full of stress, worry, and responsibilities not just to ourselves and our loved ones, but also to the people we work for, and the environment we live in. These resulting pressures cause detrimental upsets to our sleeping patterns.

The author admits to not being keen on the use of medication for this problem, and so this books emphasis is on natural ways we can improve our life. He suggests seven simple, yet practical, natural methods to improve not only our sleep but our health and wellbeing, as he believes they are intrinsically linked. Depending on our particular reason for sleep deprivation, the author recommends solutions to our problem, from diet, lifestyle changes, meditation, music and exercise, there are options for everyone, and sometimes combinations, in this incredible self-help book.

In Summary: We only have one life, it is precious, and sleep is an essential component in it. Readers, I urge you to take advantage of the life and experiences of this knowledgeable expert in this field, and embrace this essential guide. Not only will it improve your sleep, but also you can utilize the information it contains and take stock of your own personal journey, evaluate what is important to you as an individual, and then using the tools given in this book, go forward with the rest of your life in a balanced and healthy way. Highly recommended!