Book ~ "First Steps Through Insomnia" (2014) Simon Atkins

From Goodreads ~ Insomnia can be a chronic or a shortlived problem but however it presents itself, it makes life miserable. Appropriate for sufferers as well as health professionals and counselors, this short but comprehensive book tackles the causes of sleeplessness, and what to do about it. 

Stuffed full of practical tips and ideas, this book can be the start of proper restful sleep.

I've had problems sleeping the last couple of years ... it either takes me a while (up to hours) to get to sleep or I wake up wide freakin' awake in the middle of the night, sometimes for hours.  It's very frustrating and I'm tired all the time.

So that's why this book caught my eye.

The chapters are:

• Why we sleep
• What happens while we're sleeping
• What is insomnia? - It sounds like I may suffer from primary insomnia (no medical, psychological or environmental triggers) and I may "misperceive" my sleep (think my frequent transient periods of wakefulness actually mean I am awake most of the night when I'm not; and worry gives me an exaggerated idea of how like I am awake).  Or I could have secondary insomnia that is hormonal.
• Your appointment with the doctor
• Sleep hygiene - go to bed the time every day, exercise each day (but not before bedtime), keep the bedroom dark, avoid caffeine before bedtime, etc.
• Drug treatments for insomnia - Various drugs and their side effects
• Alternative therapies - Various alternatives like acupuncture, aromatherapy (I have a diffuser on for 30 minutes when I go to bed with lavender essential oil), melatonin, etc.
• Psychotherapy for insomnia - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works by helping to bring about a change in both the way you think about things and the way you act in response to those thoughts.
• Shift work and jet lag
• Obstructive sleep apnoea -  I did a sleep test on Tuesday night and will get the results next week.
• Sleep and teenagers
• Restless legs syndrome and night cramps

There is an appendix with useful resources.

I liked the writing style.  Though informative, it was humourous.  It is a quick read and is written in an easy-to-understand way by Dr. Simon Atkins.

I suggest you check out this book if you are having problems sleeping.