"Bregje Hofstede is an extraordinary writer."—Rutger Bregmans, author of Utopia for Realists and Humankind: A Hopeful History Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing meets Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep in this fascinating deep-dive into the science and history of sleep. In Search of Sleep is both a self-help manual for insomniacs, and a sweeping critique of the hustle culture that blinds us to the real reasons we lie awake at night: from politics to pandemics to poverty. Amsterdam-based writer Bregje Hofstede struggled with insomnia for 10 years, but advice from doctors and books always felt lacking in perspective. Wasn’t insomnia more than just an individual struggle? Might it also be a rational reaction to our increasingly turbulent world? Unlike the vast majority of books about sleep, In Search of Sleep examines insomnia as both a physical and psychological condition and an early warning sign that something is off in society. As Hofstede points out, studies show that insomnia increased during the pandemic and that people with less money sleep the worst. She also shows that sleeplessness is tied inextricably to loneliness, while meaningful relationships can provide the security we need to slumber. Interweaving neuroscience, cultural anthropology, history, and interviews with experts, In Search of Sleep invites us to see insomniacs as oracles, not oddballs, and offers a unique way forward for the sleep-deprived and the dreamless. If we are aware of both the small and large forces that keep us awake, then we can begin to take political action, reimagine the role of sleep in our own lives, and rid ourselves of insomnia for good.

'Easily one of the truest and best books I've read about what it's like to be alive now, in this country' Max Porter Sleep. Sleep. Like money, you only think about it when you have too little. Then you think about it all the time, and the less you have the more you think about it. It becomes the prism through which you see the world and nothing can exist except in relation to it. Samantha Harvey's insomnia arrived, seemingly, from nowhere; for a year she has spent her nights chasing sleep that rarely comes. She's tried everything to appease it. Nothing is helping. What happens when one of the basic human needs goes unmet? For Samantha Harvey, extreme sleep deprivation resulted in a raw clarity about life itself. Original and profound, The Shapeless Unease is a startlingly insightful exploration of memory, writing and influence, death and grief, and the will to survive.

'With my job on Today, I have become obsessed with sleep. The Secret World of Sleep interweaves bizarre real life stories with cutting edge neurological science in the true tradition of Oliver Sacks. A fascinating read.' Martha Kearney, BBC Radio 4 'Casebooks of neurological disorders are often strange and wonderful, but this one is special.' Sunday Times 'The Secret World of Sleep will not promise to cure your insomnia, but it does make for an entertaining and thought-provoking bedtime read.' The Guardian For Guy Leschziner's patients, there is no rest for the weary in mind and body. Insomnia, narcolepsy, night terrors, apnoea and sleepwalking are just a sample of the conditions afflicting sufferers who cannot sleep - and their experiences in trying to are the stuff of nightmares. Demonic hallucinations frighten people into paralysis. Restless legs rock both the sleepless and their sleeping partners with unpredictable and uncontrollable kicking. Out-of-sync circadian rhythms confuse the natural body clock's days and nights. Then there are the extreme cases. A woman in a state of deep sleep who gets dressed, unlocks her car and drives for several miles before returning to bed. The man who has spent decades cleaning out kitchens while 'sleep-eating'. The teenager prone to the serious, yet unfortunately nicknamed, Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, stuck in a cycle of excessive unconsciousness, binge-eating and uncharacteristic displays of aggression and hypersexuality while awake. With compassionate stories of his patients and their conditions, Leschziner illustrates the neuroscience behind our sleeping minds, revealing the many biological and psychological factors necessary in getting the rest that will not only maintain our physical and mental health, but also improve our cognitive abilities and overall happiness.

"Is he sleeping through the night?" Put this question to any new parent and you`d better brace yourself for the response. In a society that equates a sleeping baby with a good baby, night waking has become perhaps the most emotionally-charged parenting issue of all. In Search of Sleep offers a unique and welcome approach to a timeless topic. Author Bonny Reichert - a journalist and mother of two - decided after her first child was born that waking to comfort a crying baby in the wee hours isn`t a mistake - it`s a choice. Here, she delves into the sleep issue with intelligence, sensitivity, and humour. Based on a survey conducted by Today`s Parent magazine. Reichert`s work is peppered with advice and sympathetic words from the parents of night wakers. Readers will find: - A review of popular sleep training techniques and the science of sleep cycles - An exploration of the myths that surround night waking - An examination of the effects that the generation gap, culture and expert advice can have on parents - A treasure-trove of coping strategies Encompassing a range of parenting styles and sleep practices, In Search of Sleep offers a refreshingly rational and open-minded antidote to an often irrational discussion.(2001)

"The Arctic Prairies: A Canoe-Journey of 2,000 Miles in Search of the Caribou" is an enthralling account written by Ernest Thompson Seton, detailing his remarkable adventure in the Canadian Arctic. Seton, a renowned naturalist and artist, embarks on an arduous canoe journey spanning 2,000 miles, traversing the vast and unexplored wilderness in pursuit of the majestic caribou. Seton's captivating narrative takes readers on a vivid expedition, painting a vivid picture of the awe-inspiring Arctic landscapes, harsh weather conditions, and the diverse flora and fauna he encounters along the way. Through his keen observations and lyrical prose, Seton provides valuable insights into the behavior and habits of the caribou, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of their survival in this unforgiving environment. "The Arctic Prairies" not only serves as an adventure story but also delves into the author's profound appreciation for nature and his conservationist ethos. The author's book is a captivating blend of adventure, scientific inquiry, and environmental consciousness, offering readers a unique glimpse into the captivating beauty of the Arctic and the resilient spirit of its inhabitants.