Download or read book The Effortless Sleep Method The Incredible New Cure for Insomnia and Chronic Sleep Problems written by Sasha Stephens and published by Sasha Stephens. This book was released on with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Review "Original, practical and very effective. This new approach to insomnia will change lives." -- Dr W Rosental, Consultant Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist. Product Description To those who are longing for a good night's sleep To those addicted to sleeping pills To those who would give anything to get over their insomnia To those for whom 'nothing ever seems to work' To every person who has suffered the horror of chronic insomnia, to every insomniac everywhere... ...this is for you The Effortless Sleep Method is the book insomniacs all over the world have been waiting for, even those for whom 'nothing ever works'. This highly practical and hugely effective method offers a simple and permanent solution for long-term and new insomniacs alike. The Effortless Sleep Method gives you something no other sleep aid can - an entirely different way of looking at insomnia. The step-by-step insomnia recovery programme contained in this book doesn't just treat insomnia, it totally undermines it. This is not another dry as dust reference book written by a doctor, but a lively, empowering book which connects the sufferer intimately to one who has gone through the same pain. Many insomnia books follow a similar format: scientific information about sleep, a section on sleep hygiene and a set of relaxation techniques, all interspersed with various case studies. While in some cases this will be helpful in learning how to sleep better, for many, this will never be enough. The chronic insomniac can think his or her way around the sleep hygiene, will doubt the validity of the case studies and will fight the relaxation techniques. The chronic insomniac has been there, done that; the chronic insomniac has an answer for everything. This book is entirely different in its approach to insomnia. Yes, there are practical changes to make, but the real magic lies in the changes it will make to your thinking. Because of this, the approach in the book is not only useful in treating insomnia; once mastered, the principles can be extended into other areas of your life. What will you get from The Effortless Sleep Method? - You will discover a truly permanent solution to chronic insomnia, even if you have suffered for decades - You may end up sleeping better that you have ever done, - Discover the one simple rule which can instantly improve your sleep - Learn the secret most doctors won't tell you - You will finally understand why 'nothing seems to work', no matter how many remedies and sleep aids you try - Learn the astonishing and unexpected ways in which you may be sabotaging your own recovery with everyday talk and activities - Hear a new and surprising take on sleep restriction therapy, which explains why it may not have worked for you - You will feel empowered, optimistic, acquire a positive outlook and feel more in control of your life in general The ability to sleep soundly, naturally and unaided is the desire of every chronic insomniac. This book will guide you to rediscovering your innate ability to sleep without pills, potions or external sleep aids. When The Effortless Sleep Method is followed properly, the results can be incredible. Many people report sleeping better than they have ever done. Now, anyone really can have perfect sleep.

Download or read book An Occupational Therapist s Guide to Sleep and Sleep Problems written by Andrew Green and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. This book was released on 2015-02-21 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first book written specifically on clinical applications of sleep and sleep disorder theory for occupational therapists, this book bridges the research to practice gap. Contributors share their expertise, exploring topics such as the relationship between mental health and sleep; how sleep is affected by age, or by specific conditions such as dementia or autism; and how occupational therapists can use their skills and training to improve sleep quality in patients who are suffering from pain, or trauma. This timely book is essential reading for occupational therapists and students of occupational therapy, covering all of the aspects of sleep and sleep disorders that they will find useful for practice.

Download or read book Alternative Medicine Magazine s Definitive Guide to Sleep Disorders written by Herbert Ross and published by Celestial Arts. This book was released on 2013-08-20 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If you suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep disorders, you don't have to endure another long, sleepless night. This second edition of ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE MAGAZINE'S DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO SLEEP DISORDERS holds the keys to lasting relief from such sleep-disturbing factors as toxic overload and body clock disruptions. Outlining seven reasons why people have trouble falling and staying asleep, sleep specialist Dr. Herbert Ross recommends several natural techniques-detoxification, dietary change, mind-body therapies, exercise, and more-to promote better sleep while enhancing your overall health. Unlike sleeping pills, which decrease sleep quality and become less effective over time, these holistic treatments will benefit your whole body over the long term to help you lose weight, increase immune system function, boost energy, improve mood, and enhance concentration. Good health and vitality are just a good night's sleep away.

Download or read book Insomnia Doc s Guide to Restful Sleep written by Kristen Casey and published by Mango Media Inc.. This book was released on 2023-03-14 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kick Poor Sleep Hygiene Out of Bed! "Professional and insightful tips, tools, and takeaways from the sleep expert I trust the most!” ―Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, clinical entrepreneur, and creator of The Truth Doctor Dr. Kristen Casey, TikTok’s “Insomnia Doc,” brings her sleep solutions right to you, so you can get the restful sleep you deserve! We all have sleep issues and you’re not alone. Whether you suffer from acute insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia, or even depression insomnia, we all have experienced sleeplessness brought on by poor sleep hygiene, emotional factors, or physical barriers that keep us just out of reach of a healthy sleep schedule. But don’t fret, you can learn the tools to help you sleep well every night! Mental health plays a huge role in our sleep patterns. Our mental wellness can greatly affect our quality of sleep. If we are feeling anxious, depressed, or tired, we may struggle with making those choices that promote healthy sleep hygiene, and we instead get stuck with the outcomes of poor sleep hygiene. Dr. Casey teaches you how to improve your mental health through better sleep for more restful nights. Inside, you’ll find: Practical methods for trading in your poor sleep hygiene for good sleep hygiene and optimal sleep health Expert advice on the best ways to fall asleep, how to stay asleep, and how to sleep soundly without a white noise machine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI)-based techniques to help you set up a successful night routine to help you sleep like a baby and finally get a good night’s rest If you’ve enjoyed books like Why We Sleep, The Sleep Solution, or Sleep Through Insomnia, then you’ll love The Insomnia Doc’s Guide to Restful Sleep.

Download or read book Insomnia Uncovered A Comprehensive Guide to Better Sleep written by Willow R. Stone and published by Xspurts.com. This book was released on 2023-01-01 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Sleep is the reset button for our minds and bodies. Insomnia leaves us stuck on repeat." Insomnia Uncovered: A Comprehensive Guide to Better Sleep is the ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming insomnia. This comprehensive book covers everything you need to know about insomnia, from the science of sleep to sleep hygiene fundamentals, diet and nutrition, relaxation techniques, and sleep aids and medications. The book begins with an overview of insomnia, including the science of sleep, types of insomnia, and causes of insomnia. Readers will then learn about sleep hygiene fundamentals, creating a sleep-friendly environment, establishing a bedtime routine, and reducing screen time before bed. Insomnia Uncovered also covers diet and nutrition for better sleep, sleep-promoting foods, foods to avoid before bedtime, and supplements for sleep. Readers will also learn about relaxation techniques, including deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization techniques, and mindfulness and meditation. In addition to these techniques, Insomnia Uncovered explores cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia, sleep aids and medications, natural remedies, exercise and sleep, managing stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, sleep tracking and technology, bedtime rituals and routines, sleep positions and posture, sleep and aging, sleep and hormones, children and sleep, napping strategies, travel and jet lag, and sleep and shift work. The book provides tips, strategies, and techniques for improving sleep in every situation. Whether you are a shift worker struggling with sleep, a traveler dealing with jet lag, or an older adult experiencing sleep changes, Insomnia Uncovered has the solutions you need to achieve better sleep. Insomnia Uncovered also emphasizes the importance of maintaining sleep success, staying consistent with sleep habits, overcoming setbacks, and implementing long-term sleep improvement strategies. Whether you are experiencing occasional sleeplessness or chronic insomnia, Insomnia Uncovered: A Comprehensive Guide to Better Sleep is the perfect guide. With clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical tools and techniques, this book will help you take control of your sleep and achieve better health and well-being. Table of Contents: Understanding Insomnia The science of sleep Types of insomnia Causes of insomnia Sleep Hygiene Fundamentals Creating a sleep-friendly environment Establishing a bedtime routine Reducing screen time before bed Diet and Nutrition for Better Sleep Sleep-promoting foods Foods to avoid before bedtime Supplements for sleep Relaxation Techniques Deep breathing exercises Progressive muscle relaxation Visualization techniques Mindfulness and Meditation Introduction to mindfulness Guided meditation for sleep Body scan meditation Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Insomnia The principles of CBT Challenging negative sleep thoughts Sleep restriction therapy Sleep Aids and Medications Over-the-counter sleep aids Prescription sleep medications The risks and benefits of sleep aids Natural Remedies for Insomnia Herbal remedies Aromatherapy Homeopathy Exercise and Sleep The benefits of regular exercise Best exercises for promoting sleep When to exercise for optimal sleep Managing Stress and Anxiety Identifying stressors Stress reduction techniques Dealing with nighttime anxiety Sleep Disorders Sleep apnea Restless legs syndrome Narcolepsy Sleep Tracking and Technology Sleep trackers and apps Sleep-promoting gadgets Blue light blocking devices Bedtime Rituals and Routines Relaxing activities before sleep Preparing for the next day Sleep Positions and Posture Best sleep positions for comfort Pillow and mattress recommendations Sleep posture and pain relief Sleep and Aging Sleep changes with age Addressing sleep issues in older adults Tips for improving sleep in seniors Sleep and Hormones Hormonal imbalances and sleep Sleep during menopause Sleep and testosterone Children and Sleep Sleep needs for different ages Bedtime routines for children Addressing sleep issues in kids Napping Strategies The benefits of napping Power napping techniques When and how long to nap Travel and Jet Lag Tips for sleeping well while traveling Managing jet lag Sleep aids for travel Sleep and Shift Work The impact of shift work on sleep Strategies for better sleep for shift workers Sleep-friendly work environments Maintaining Sleep Success Staying consistent with sleep habits Overcoming setbacks Long-term sleep improvement strategies

Download or read book Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep written by Colleen E. Carney and published by New Harbinger Publications. This book was released on 2007-04-01 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A busy and hectic life can profoundly affect your ability to get a good night's rest. And it's even more difficult to feel relaxed when you stay awake worrying that you won't fall asleep. This vicious circle can quickly rob you of your quality of life, which is why it is so important to seek the most effective treatment for your insomnia. This workbook uses cognitive behavior therapy, which has been shown to work as well as sleep medications and produce longer-lasting effects. Research shows that it also works well for those whose insomnia is experienced in the context of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. The complete program in Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep goes to the root of your insomnia and offers the same techniques used by experienced sleep specialists. You'll learn how to optimize your sleep pattern using methods to calm your mind and help you identify sleep-thieving behaviors that contribute to insomnia. Don't go without rest any longer-get started on this program and end your struggles with sleep.

Download or read book The Post Traumatic Insomnia Workbook written by Karin Thompson and published by New Harbinger Publications. This book was released on 2010-09-02 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Difficult and traumatic life experiences affect our lives in unexpected ways and can even change the way we sleep. In fact, up to 75 percent of all people who have experienced abuse, violence, or traumatic incidents have sleeping problems after these events, even after all other trauma-related symptoms have diminished. If you've experienced these problems for yourself, The Post-Traumatic Insomnia Workbook is for you. This workbook is based in cognitive behavioral therapy, a powerful approach that has been proven to be more effective over the long run than sleeping pills. Included are easy tips and techniques you can start doing right away to help you sleep better. You'll learn a variety of relaxation and sleep-scheduling skills that will help you put an end to broken sleep, the need to stay on high alert throughout the night, and sleep-sabotaging habits you may have developed. Why spend another night lying awake? Find the root cause of your restless nights and rediscover peaceful sleep. This workbook will help you:•Understand what's keeping you awake at night•De-stress your bedroom and create a safe space for sleep•Learn powerful relaxation techniques for calming your body and mind before bed•Cope with trauma-related nightmares

Download or read book The Women s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia Get a Good Night s Sleep Without Relying on Medication written by Shelby Harris and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2019-07-02 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For every woman who “does it all” . . . except get a good night’s sleep! More than 60 percent of American women have trouble sleeping— which isn’t surprising, as they have a higher risk of developing sleeping problems. But addressing this issue is more nuanced for women than for men; pregnancy and menopause are just two factors that add complexity to an already difficult problem. At the risk of jeopardizing work, parenting, relationships, or overall health, no woman can afford to deal with sleep deprivation on her own. The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia is a roadmap for those who experience anything from occasional bad nights to chronic insomnia. It outlines several methods to overcome these issues and improve physical and emotional well- being. From medical sleep aids to nonmedical approaches, the book looks beyond the basics of sleep hygiene, helping women to retrain their bodies and minds for a good night’s sleep every night.

Download or read book Lewis s Medical Surgical Nursing E Book written by Mariann M. Harding and published by Elsevier Health Sciences. This book was released on 2019-09-07 with total page 1718 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Get a unique, conceptual approach to nursing care in this rapidly changing healthcare environment. Lewis's Medical-Surgical Nursing, 11th Edition gives you a solid foundation in medical-surgical nursing. This thoroughly revised text includes a more conversational writing style, an increased focus on nursing concepts and clinical trends, strong evidence-based content, and an essential pathophysiology review. Content covers all aspects of nursing care including health promotion, acute intervention, and ambulatory care. Helpful boxes and tables make it easy for you to find essential information, and a building-block approach makes even the most complex concepts simple to grasp. Key topics such as interprofessional care, delegation, safety, and prioritization are integrated throughout. Additionally, extensive drug therapy information and diagnostic studies tables give you a full picture of care. Best of all — a complete collection of learning and study resources helps you learn more effectively and offers valuable, real-world preparation for clinical practice.

Download or read book Sleep to Save Your Life written by Gerard T. Lombardo, M.D. and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2005-09-20 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Current research identifies poor sleep as a significant factor in a growing number of diseases. In this title, easy-to-follow physiology is combined with self-assessments, dietary and behavioral programs, and advice on getting the best treatment.

Download or read book Sleep Easy written by Bernice Tuffery and published by Allen & Unwin. This book was released on 2021-02-15 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Say goodbye to lousy sleep with this six-week, step-by-step programme to help you kick insomnia to the curb forever. Bad sleep sucks. Sleep deficiency defies our biology and sabotages our days. Yet more than a third of us struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep at night. We can shake off the odd sleepless night, but when sleep difficulties persist, things start to unravel. Sleep debt takes its toll on our mood, energy, and productivity. It affects our behaviour around food and exercise as well as eroding our immunity, even our mental and physical health. As our best efforts to help ourselves fail, or perpetuate the problem, we can feel disillusioned, disempowered and frustratingly stuck. You're not alone, and there is a way through. This six-week, step-by-step guide will help you sleep easy. Bernice Tuffery, fed up after years of compromised sleep, made it her mission to learn how to sleep well again. She'd tried early nights, warm baths, a bit of yoga and meditation, but nothing worked. Even natural supplements, over-the-counter sleep aids, melatonin, and at times sleeping pills, failed to deliver a sustainable solution. As a qualitative market researcher, she was determined to know how to sleep naturally again. She discovered a proven, natural, and very learnable way to improve chronic sleep difficulties. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is recognised internationally by sleep experts as the gold-standard treatment for insomnia. But with a lack of awareness, a severe shortage of experts offering it and virtually no public funding for treatment in New Zealand and Australia, it's hard and expensive to access. From her discussions with sleep professionals, extensive research and her lived-experience of restoring her own sleep, Bernice shares her knowledge with humour and heart. Confident that CBTi can be self-taught, she offers this practical and inspiring insiders' guide to getting a good night's sleep.

Download or read book Say Good Night to Insomnia written by Gregg D. Jacobs and published by Macmillan. This book was released on 2009-09-15 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dr. Jacobs describes the drug-free, scientifically proven program for conquering insomnia in six weeks--a program that succeeds by helping insomniacs change the way they think about sleep.

Download or read book Natural Remedies for Sleep written by Dr. Kye Peven ND and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2021-08-24 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover non-pharmaceutical solutions for better sleep A good night's sleep can do wonders for your physical and mental health. But if you struggle with falling or staying asleep, your frustration may have you looking to sleep medicine for help. This natural remedies book will show you a better way. Natural Remedies for Sleep provides the knowledge, tools, and natural solutions for how to sleep smarter. Explore why we sleep, along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, meditation, essential oils, acupressure, and more to help you get the full, consistent rest you deserve. Sleep 101—Learn the basics of what good sleep is, why we need it, some common sleep issues, and the short- and long-term benefits of a dependable night's sleep. Sleep tool kit—Good sleep takes planning—discover a list of the resources and items you need for getting a better night's sleep, and creating a smart sleep routine for yourself. Sleep scenarios—Find suggested natural sleep remedies for adults and techniques for overcoming a range of sleep problems and scenarios, such as insomnia, interrupted sleep patterns, and digestion issues. Fall asleep and stay asleep with the helpful and all-natural techniques and resources in this empathetic book.

Download or read book The Happiest Baby on the Block written by Harvey Karp, M.D. and published by Bantam. This book was released on 2008-11-19 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Perfect for expecting parents who want to provide a soothing home for the newest member of their family, The Happiest Baby on the Block, the national bestseller by respected pediatrician and child development expert Dr. Harvey Karp, is a revolutionary method for calming a crying infant and promoting healthy sleep from day one. In perhaps the most important parenting book of the decade, Dr. Harvey Karp reveals an extraordinary treasure sought by parents for centuries --an automatic “off-switch” for their baby’s crying. No wonder pediatricians across the country are praising him and thousands of Los Angeles parents, from working moms to superstars like Madonna and Pierce Brosnan, have turned to him to learn the secrets for making babies happy. Never again will parents have to stand by helpless and frazzled while their poor baby cries and cries. Dr. Karp has found there IS a remedy for colic. “I share with parents techniques known only to the most gifted baby soothers throughout history …and I explain exactly how they work.” In a innovative and thought-provoking reevaluation of early infancy, Dr. Karp blends modern science and ancient wisdom to prove that newborns are not fully ready for the world when they are born. Through his research and experience, he has developed four basic principles that are crucial for understanding babies as well as improving their sleep and soothing their senses: ·The Missing Fourth Trimester: as odd as it may sound, one of the main reasons babies cry is because they are born three months too soon. ·The Calming Reflex: the automatic reset switch to stop crying of any baby in the first few months of life. ·The 5 “S’s”: the simple steps (swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging and sucking) that trigger the calming reflex. For centuries, parents have tried these methods only to fail because, as with a knee reflex, the calming reflex only works when it is triggered in precisely the right way. Unlike other books that merely list these techniques Dr. Karp teaches parents exactly how to do them, to guide cranky infants to calm and easy babies to serenity in minutes…and help them sleep longer too. ·The Cuddle Cure: the perfect mix the 5 “S’s” that can soothe even the most colicky of infants. In the book, Dr. Karp also explains: What is colic? Why do most babies get much more upset in the evening? How can a parent calm a baby--in mere minutes? Can babies be spoiled? When should a parent of a crying baby call the doctor? How can a parent get their baby to sleep a few hours longer? Even the most loving moms and dads sometimes feel pushed to the breaking point by their infant’s persistent cries. Coming to the rescue, however, Dr. Karp places in the hands of parents, grandparents, and all childcare givers the tools they need to be able to calm their babies almost as easily as…turning off a light. From the Hardcover edition.

Download or read book Biohacking Easy Steps to Smart Fasting for Beginners How to Improve Your Life With Biohacks Look After Your Brain and How to Manage Pain Naturally written by Rudolph Cueto and published by Rudolph Cueto. This book was released on 101-01-01 with total page 90 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Everyone wishes to achieve all their goals in life without compromising or jeopardizing what is truly important. That can be accomplished, however, it will require giving your body what it needs to carry you through the challenges, and that can be accomplished through the use of biohacks. Biohacks are small changes to your day to day life which can provide massive benefits, despite their seeming simplicity. Biohacks are more helpful than ever in our world today since it can be hard and time-consuming to implement changes from the ground-up in a world that is faster and more demanding than ever. This practical and insightful guide covers: · Mindset Shifts: Transform the way you approach your relationship and cultivate a growth-oriented mindset. · Communication Techniques: Master the art of effective communication to foster understanding and empathy. · Resentment Repair: Learn how to heal past wounds and move forward with renewed trust and love. · Value System Evaluation: Align your core values with your partner to create a harmonious and unified partnership. · Prioritization: Discover how to prioritize your relationship amidst life's demands to keep your bond strong. This book makes biohacking approachable to all readers, regardless of background expertise, with its straightforward language and practical advice. Explore tried-and-true tactics supported by science to enable you to modify your lifestyle sustainably without feeling overwhelmed. Don't pass up the chance to discover the keys to effortless weight loss and a revitalized sense of health.

Download or read book How to Sleep Well written by Neil Stanley and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 151 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has never been more important to sleep well. Stop sabotaging your own sleep and finally wake up energised and refreshed How to Sleep Well is a guidebook that can change your sleep and help you live your life more fully. Whether you struggle to fall asleep, sleep too lightly, wake too often or simply cannot wake up, this book can help you get on track to sleeping well and living better. It all starts with the science of sleep: how much you really need, what your body does during sleep and the causes behind many common sleep problems. Next, you’ll identify the things in your life that are disrupting your sleep cycle and learn how to mitigate the impact; whether the pressure of workplace or you simply cannot quiet your own mind, these expert tips and tricks will help you get the sleep you need. Finally, you’ll learn how to support healthy sleep during the waking hours — what works with or against your sleep — and you’ll learn when the problem might be best dealt with by your GP. Don’t spend another restless night waiting for a bleary, groggy morning and sleepy day. Take control of your sleep tonight! Learn how sleep — or a lack thereof — affects every aspect of your life Identify the root causes of your sleep issues and cut them off at the source Discover the sleep advice that works, and the tips that are just plain daft. Create a healthy, calming bedtime routine that will help you get the rest you need Sleep affects everything. Work and school performance, relationships, emotional outlook, your appearance and even your health. Sleeping poorly or not sleeping enough can dramatically impact your quality of life, but most sleep problems can be solved with a bit of self-adjustment. How to Sleep Well puts a sleep expert with over 36 years’ experience at your disposal to help you finally get the restful, restorative sleep you need to live better and be productive.

Download or read book The Family That Couldn t Sleep written by D. T. Max and published by Random House. This book was released on 2006-09-05 with total page 333 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For two hundred years a noble Venetian family has suffered from an inherited disease that strikes their members in middle age, stealing their sleep, eating holes in their brains, and ending their lives in a matter of months. In Papua New Guinea, a primitive tribe is nearly obliterated by a sickness whose chief symptom is uncontrollable laughter. Across Europe, millions of sheep rub their fleeces raw before collapsing. In England, cows attack their owners in the milking parlors, while in the American West, thousands of deer starve to death in fields full of grass. What these strange conditions–including fatal familial insomnia, kuru, scrapie, and mad cow disease–share is their cause: prions. Prions are ordinary proteins that sometimes go wrong, resulting in neurological illnesses that are always fatal. Even more mysterious and frightening, prions are almost impossible to destroy because they are not alive and have no DNA–and the diseases they bring are now spreading around the world. In The Family That Couldn’t Sleep, essayist and journalist D. T. Max tells the spellbinding story of the prion’s hidden past and deadly future. Through exclusive interviews and original archival research, Max explains this story’s connection to human greed and ambition–from the Prussian chemist Justus von Liebig, who made cattle meatier by feeding them the flesh of other cows, to New Guinean natives whose custom of eating the brains of the dead nearly wiped them out. The biologists who have investigated these afflictions are just as extraordinary–for example, Daniel Carleton Gajdusek, a self-described “pedagogic pedophiliac pediatrician” who cracked kuru and won the Nobel Prize, and another Nobel winner, Stanley Prusiner, a driven, feared self-promoter who identified the key protein that revolutionized prion study. With remarkable precision, grace, and sympathy, Max–who himself suffers from an inherited neurological illness–explores maladies that have tormented humanity for centuries and gives reason to hope that someday cures will be found. And he eloquently demonstrates that in our relationship to nature and these ailments, we have been our own worst enemy.