Sleep: The Mysteries, the Problems, and the Solutions

In “Sleep”, Carlos H. Schenck, M.D., a leading sleep expert with over 40 years experience, presents a probing exploration of sleep, an activity that occupies over 200,000 hours of our lives. This timeless book delves into the intricate processes of sleep and the peculiar dysfunctions that can emerge, ranging from common issues like insomnia and sleep apnea to the more mysterious and extreme disorders known as “parasomnias”. These include dream enactment, sleep related eating disorder, sexsomnia, night terrors, and sleep violence, which surprisingly affect millions.

What distinguishes Dr. Schenck's work is his focus on the forefront of sleep science, particularly in identifying and treating parasomnias. He reveals their connection to more typical sleep problems and the implications for their treatment. The book is enriched with startling real-life examples from Dr. Schenck's extensive clinical practice, such as a woman who discovers chocolate wrappers in her bed upon waking or a man who, in his sleep, mistakenly perceives his wife as a threat. These narratives, drawn directly from patient experiences, illustrate the often terrifying and dangerous aspects of these disorders, offering hope and solutions to those affected and their families.

Significantly, each chapter of the book encompasses a wide range of sleep disorders, enriched with personal stories reported by Dr. Schenck's patients. These accounts provide an intimate first-person perspective on living with these conditions, making the book a uniquely relevant and comprehensive guide for anyone suffering from sleep disorders. By combining engaging patient narratives with the latest in medical research, 'Sleep' serves as an essential resource for understanding and navigating the complex world of sleep disorders, shedding light on one of our most enigmatic medical puzzles.