The Mysteries, the Problems, and the Solutions

By Carlos H. Schenck, M.D.

On average, most people will spend 25 years of their life asleep. A good night's sleep is essential to our health--yet sleep disorders have become one of the most prevalent medical issues in this country. Many people suffer from common problems such as insomnia, but more than 20 million Americans experience mysterious and extreme sleep disorders - called parasomnias that can wreak havoc on their lives.

Parasomnias include troublesome and traumatic disorders such as sleep terrors, sleep paralysis, sexsomnia, sleepwalking, sleep-related binge eating, and even violent dream enactments. And though many of these conditions are actually treatable, often people with parasomnias are misdiagnosed and rarely receive the help they need.

Dr. Carlos H. Schenck, M.D., a leading expert and research pioneer in sleep disorders, dives into the world of sleep. In his new book, SLEEP: The Mysteries, the Problems, and the Solutions (Avery/Penguin Group (USA); March 2007; 1583332707; $24.95), he offers readers insights on the range of common problems, as well as a rare glimpse on the extraordinary and sometimes terrifying, or even life-threatening, phenomenon of parasomnias.

As Dr. Schenck explains, cutting-edge research has only just begun to decode what really happens in our brains while we sleep. In this book, he illustrates the mechanisms of sleep and offers a fascinating look at what can go wrong with incredible, real-life stories told by his patients.

From a woman who wakes up every morning surprised to find piles of chocolate wrappers in her bed, to the astounding case of a man who dreamed his wife was a deer and tried in his sleep to strangle her, Sleep offers compelling - and often shocking - case studies from Dr. Schenck's more than twenty-five years of clinical practice to show the debilitating experiences that those with parasomnias can suffer from , along with their loved ones. Furthermore, parasomnias can emerge in tandem with the more common sleep disorders, as Dr. Schenck describes in his book.

In addition, Dr. Schenck offers practical advice and effective treatment strategies for both parasomnias, as well as common sleep disorders such as:

• insomnia
• restless legs syndrome
• obstructive sleep apnea
• circadian rhythm disorders

Backed by the latest medical research, Sleep is a groundbreaking book about what continues to be one of our most enigmatic medical puzzles. It is an essential guide for anyone suffering from a sleeping disorder, and offers new hope for patients and their families.

About the Author:

Carlos H. Schenck M.D. is a senior staff psychiatrist at the Hennepin County Medical Center and Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center, a renowned interdisciplinary sleep clinic and laboratory, and is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis . A recognized expert, he has identified and named numerous parasomnias with his colleagues, and is often quoted in the press, including the New York Times, and the New York Times Magazine . He has also appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and on CNN. He lives in Minneapolis .

SLEEP
The Mysteries, the Problems, and the Solutions
Carlos H. Schenck M.D.
Avery/Penguin Group ( USA )
March 2007
1583332707; $24.95

Available at bookstores and at Amazon.com.

Dr. Schenck also has two DVDs available: "Sleep Runners: The Stories Behind Everyday Parasomnias", a one hour DVD documentary film, and the soon-to-be-released "Sleep Runners Deluxe Academic Edtion" DVD that will also include 55 minutes of sleep lab parasomnia footage, and much more.