A Novel Source: Master Your Sleep by Tracey I. Marks, MD

2/12/11

Master Your Sleep by Tracey I. Marks, MD

Do you have problems falling asleep? Staying asleep?

In this technologically-enhanced environment we live in these days it’s not surprising that over a million Americans seek a physician’s help with sleep problems each year. In Master Your Sleep: Proven Methods Simplified the mysteries surrounding falling asleep and staying asleep are laid bare in such a manner that is easy to understand, incredibly useful, and geared to the average adult to read and comprehend. What I mean is that it is not written with such medical and psychological terms that the non-doctor can understand this book. The charts and the cheat sheet included with the book are simply icing on the cake!

Do you know how many hours you should be sleeping at night?

Age	Hours of Sleep Needed
Newborns (1-2 months)	15 – 18 hours
Infants (3-11 months)	14 – 15 hours
Toddlers (1-3 years)	12 – 14 hours
Preschoolers (3-5 years)	11 – 13 hours
Children (5-12 years)	10 – 11 hours
Teens (13-17 years)	8.5 – 9.25 hours
Adults (18 and up)	7 – 9 hours

Other surprising facts I learned while reading Master Your Sleep included taking naps during the day interrupts nighttime sleep patterns, no electronics for at least one hour before bed, and alcohol greatly interferes with sleep so no alcohol at least 4 hours prior to bed. There are also numerous problems that occur if one does not get enough sleep – weight gain and diabetes; compromised mental abilities; and cardiovascular disease and shortened life span! Lack of sleep is something I don’t want to be playing around with if those are the consequences!

This book has proven invaluable to me as I do suffer from insomnia. The tips, ideas, facts and charts have helped me to get my sleep cycle back on track and the way in which Dr. Marks shares the information is truly “proven methods simplified.” Thank you Dr. Marks for providing such a wonderful resource for us who suffer from sleep difficulties.