Friday, April 9, 2010

"Sleep, It Does a Family Good" by Dr. Archibald D. Hart

"I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart
when I'm awake, you know?"
— Ernest Hemingway

Like Ernest Hemingway, I love sleep.  I NEED sleep.  Yet, I feel like I've been without sleep for over 3 years now, thanks to my two sweet children.  It really does make it hard to be all that I can/should be each day without adequate rest.  So, when I recently received an invitation to review Dr. Archibald D. Hart's new book, "Sleep, It Does a Family Good," I literally laughed out loud.  If there's anything I need more of these days, it's definitely sleep.  



I'm pretty certain that way too many of you can relate to my sleep deprivation woes.  It is actually a rapidly growing crises in our country.  According to several polls from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), about 70 million Americans suffer from some sort of sleep disorder.  And even many more suffer from some form of periodic sleep deprivation.  Because of these blaring figures and the toll that sleep deprivation took in his own life, Dr. Archibald D. Hart wrote his newest book, "Sleep, It Does a Family Good."  He sincerely believes that "bad sleeping habits in either children or parents can have a devastating effect on the spiritual, emotional, and physical health of the whole family."  Ohhhh, I'm right there with you, Dr. Hart!

The book is divided into three sections:
  1. Part 1: Understanding Your Family's Need for Sleep
  2. Part 2: Determining Your Family's Sleep Problems
  3. Part 3: Overcoming Your Family's Sleep Deprivation
Within each section, he teaches about the issues of sleep disorders and how to address them.  Also included are various aids, such as a guide for creating a sleep diary and "sleep aid package."  The book is very informational, and yet a bit wordy at times.  But for anyone who is looking to take a true look at sleep and its function, this is a wonderful resource.

So, now I'm off to put to practice what I've learned from "Sleep, It Does a Family Good."  Time to catch some zzzzz's (I hope...)

A copy of this book was provided to me at no cost by Tyndale House Publishers in order to facilitate my review. I was not required to provide a positive review, only an honest one. The viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad it was helpful for you! I've had the opportunity to hear Dr. Hart speak and thoroughly enjoyed it. (I also highly recommend his daughter Catherine Hart-Weber's work). I completely agree that sleep issues (of many kinds) disrupt family life. (I also completely agree with Hemingway that his life was a mess when he was awake!) Thanks for always posting such well thought-out book reviews!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Sleep is so important, as it gives your body to restore all the energy you have used during the day. It relaxes your brain so you can think clearly next day. I love my sleep.
Enjoyed your write up.
Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.

Tori Cooper said...

Very interesting! I love sleep...! My sleep deprivation usually is because I have a hard time falling asleep... but once I'm asleep it's amazing! :-) I notice a difference in my quality of life and work depending on how much sleep I get... it is so important for our overall health. Thanks for sharing!

Kelly said...

There are certain time when the kids finally do allow me to sleep, then I just have insomnia!