"Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity ... An explosion of scientific discoveries in the last twenty years has shed new light on this fundamental aspect of our lives. Now ... neuroscientist and sleep expert Matthew Walker gives us a new understanding of the vital importance of sleep and dreaming"--Amazon.com.

The world gathers on a precipice over chaos: In the West, the God-Emperor Cardolyn Tyier broods over his vast conquests and plots the subjugation of all other kingdoms. To the South, the Kalvonder plutocracy continues their bloody entertainments, too invested in small schemes, transient vices and petty ascensions to notice one of their own has a far grander design. From the East, a legion of paladins embarks on a crusade of holy conquest against the secluded Northlands, intent on supplanting the land’s sovereign deity and crushing it beneath their pantheon. But these are children’s squabbles, for a forgotten evil hides behind these conflicts, amassing power and guiding humanity toward the precipice. The world has had many names for it, but men always called it the Muntalabacs: Dread Lords. The Avenar know one has resurfaced. They can feel his quiet footsteps resounding across the world and heralding the renewed conflict between their families. The Avenar are spent, though, and will need whatever help they can find, be it from eccentrics, outcasts or madmen

Mystery.

We think of sleep as a waste of time. A time when we are literally doing nothing. Yet every human on the planet spends several hours each day asleep. We are not alone. Almost every animal enjoys some form of sleep. The idea that millions of years of evolution resulted in this ability for no reason at all is ludicrous. When we are asleep we are not dormant. In fact, it is the busiest time of the day. For the past sixty years, a small number of scientists have dedicated their lives to studying the sleeping mind. This work has resulted in a series of remarkable techniques that can help people to recognize dangerous levels of sleep deprivation, get a great night's sleep, avoid nightmares, learn in their sleep, take productive power naps, decode dreams, and create a perfect nocturnal fantasy. Until now, these discoveries have been restricted to academic journals and University conferences. Professor Richard Wiseman journeys deep into this dark world and meets the vampire-like scientists who go to work when everyone else is heading for bed. Carrying out his own nocturnal mass participation studies along the way, Wiseman presents the definitive guide to the surprising new science of sleep and dreaming. For years the self-development movement has focused on improving people's waking lives. It is now time for us all to unlock that missing third of our days.

Daisy is so busy playing a game that she doesn't notice that darkness has slipped into her room, but when she sees him she is not afraid, but dances with him and serves him lemonade until she becomes sleepy and says goodnight.

An authoritative and accessible guide to what happens when we shut our eyes at night We spend a third of our lives in bed, but how much do we really understand about how sleep affects us? In the past forty years, scientists have discovered that our sleep (or lack of it) can affect nearly every aspect of our waking lives. Poor sleep could be a sign of a disease, the result of a vitamin or iron deficiency, or the cause of numerous other problems, both sleeping and waking. Yet many people, even medical personnel, are unaware of the dangers of poor sleep. Enter Dr. Meir Kryger, a world authority on the science of sleep, with a comprehensive guide to the mysteries of slumber that combines detailed case studies, helpful tables, illustrations, and pragmatic advice. Everyone needs a good night’s sleep, and many of us will experience some difficulty sleeping or staying awake over the course of our lifetimes (or know someone who does). Kryger’s comprehensive text is a much-needed resource for insomniacs; for those who snore, can’t stay awake, or experience disturbing dreams; and for the simply curious. Uniquely wide ranging, The Mystery of Sleep is more than a handbook; it is a guide to the world of sleep and the mysterious disorders that affect it.

New into paperback! In the Darkness of the Night takes the reader through the sounds that a young child hears whilst curled up in bed waiting to fall asleep. From the familiar, reassuring noises of the family and the home including muffled voices and humming pipes. Next we move out into the garden, with the snuffling and screeching of foxes. And then suddenly what's that? Zoom! A car speeds by and a distant siren sounds. Then the illustrations expand to the city beyond, as we see those who work throughout the night, such as cleaners or nurses. And finally, as the sun rises, the early morning sounds begin with the birdsong, clatter of dustbins and letterboxes as the city wakes up again. Emily Rand takes us on a gentle journey through the night, looking at all the sounds and activity that happen whilst you're tucked up warm in your bed!