SLEEP DISTURBANCE

SLEEP DISTURBANCE
HARVARD HEALTH LETTER SPECIAL REPORT
Boston: Harvard Medical School Health Publications Group, 1999
P. O. Box 380, Boston MA 02117-0380
47 pages, paperback, $16

Reviewed by Lynne Lamberg

This is a brief but solid overview of the basics of sleep and common sleep disorders. It is aimed at the general reader.

The report first describes the mechanics of sleep and habits that disturb sleep, such as too much caffeine, smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol, a sedentary life, a sleep-disturbing bedroom, and an erratic schedule. The chapter on sleep over the lifetime notes that in a child aged seven through puberty, daytime sleepiness is cause for concern. This situation contrasts with that of adolescents, most of whom are chronically sleepy.

The chapter on medical illness and sleep provides quick takes on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, eating disorders, heartburn, kidney disease, menopause, mental illness, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological problems, asthma, and thyroid disease. It reminds readers that a wide range of medications used for these illnesses also may affect sleep.

More detailed sections explore specific sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and movement disorders. Further brief surveys address sleepwalking, bedwetting, and other parasomnias, as well as jet lag and other disturbances of sleep timing.

The report also reviews the sleep laboratory evaluation, describing both overnight sleep tests and home-based tests. A helpful appendix lists drugs used to treat sleep disorders, describing their intended effects and side-effects.

Although readers will find fuller discussion of specific sleep disorders elsewhere, this report provides a good general introduction. It might best serve high school students or college undergraduates, as it spotlights topics (though only minimal resources) for further reading. If left in a busy physician's or sleep center's waiting room, however, this report probably soon will become dog-eared.