A narcoleptic's tireless journey through the neuroscience of disordered sleep
Whether it's a bout of bad jet lag or a stress-induced all-nighter, we've all suffered from nights that left us feeling less than well-rested. But for some people, getting a bad night's sleep isn't just an inconvenience: it's a nightmare. InSleepyhead, science writer Henry Nicholls uses his own experience with chronic narcolepsy as a gateway to better understanding the cryptic, curious, and relatively uncharted world of sleep disorders. We meet insomniacs who can't get any sleep, narcoleptics who can't control when they sleep, and sleep apnea victims who nearly suffocate in their sleep. We learn the underlying difference between morning larks and night owls; why our sleeping habits shift as we grow older; and the evolutionary significance of REM sleep and dreaming. Charming, eye-opening, and deeply humanizing,Sleepyheadwill help us all uncover the secrets of a good night's sleep.
Henry Nichollsis a renowned science writer and author of three books. He has also written for
Nature,
New Scientist, and hosts the
Guardian's Animal Magic blog. Nicholls lives in London. A charming analogy... [Nicholls] covers some fascinating material, from the rare prion-driven disease known as fatal familial narcolepsy to the potentially atavistic nature of cataplexy.
Science Brilliantly clear and enthusiastic... Henry Nicholls manages to combine detail with passion.
David Shukman, BBC The most in-depth and accessible insight into narcolepsy that I've come across.
Dan Collins,Fresh Tracks A thoughtful examination ... thought-provoking, and Nicholls arranges his material expertly, blending the personal the scientific ... an important book about an overlooked side of human experience.
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