Beating Insomnia

by Tim Cantopher

Insomnia is one of the major afflictions of the modern world, and is responsible for a great deal of lost productivity, accidents and suffering. About one in three of us report sleep problems. Insomnia has been linked to anxiety, major depression, cognitive disturbance, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and increased proneness to infections. However stress, which predisposes to these conditions, is also is a major cause of insomnia. This book, by a leading consultant psychiatrist, explains how you may sleep better. Topics · Does insomnia matter? · How sleep works · Why can't I sleep? · Specific problems which interfere with sleep · Using a sleep diary · Managing stress · Non-pharmacological treatments · Pills and potions · Dealing with specific causes of insomnia · I still can't sleep!

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2020

About the author

Dr. Tim Cantopher studied at University College, London, and University College Hospital. He trained as a psychiatrist at St James' Hospital, Portsmouth, and St George's, University of London. He has been a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists since 1983 and was elected fellow of the college in 1999. He worked as a consultant psychiatrist with the Priory Group of Hospitals from 1993 until his retirement from clinical practice in 2015. Depressive Illness: The Curse of the Strong was Dr. Cantopher's first, and remains his bestselling, book.

Reviews

[Cathy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so refreshing to read a book like this. Most insomnia-themed books are horrifyingly perky, and full of the useless advice that all sufferers have found long ago on the internet, i.e. drink a warm milky drink and try leaving your window open (or closed). This goes into as much depth as is possible in a slender volume, and it is genuinely useful.
I liked the honesty of this. Cantopher doesn't promise quick fixes but suggests various strategies that work over time. He also debunks and warns of the dangers of some of the kookier remedies out there, and he isn't a proponent of pills and potions, on the whole.
One example: when identifying the cause of the sufferer's insomnia, mental health issues could be a factor. There are printouts of typical sleep patterns for those who have particular conditions. I have Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and the sleep pattern was spot on for me. Knowing this, I can make extra efforts to manage my condition if my sleep is out of control.
Perhaps the most helpful part, however, is the introduction. Since reading it I have changed my attitude towards sleeplessness, and my wellbeing has increased as a result.
I recommend this to other sufferers. I received it free as part of a Goodreads giveaway, but as those who follow my reviews know, that doesn't prevent me from giving a bad review if appropriate. In this case, it definitely isn't.

[Cara Schwarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Previous occupants put glow in the dark stickers on the ceiling but without glasses or contacts they are just blotches .... I know the blotches quite well. Sometimes I am dead to the world when I put my light out, other times I loom at the blotches. I also sometimes wake up at all hours, just to stare at my blotches.

So during one of these spells, I found this book. I found it rather useful, it is practical yet realistic. The fixes are not quick, but the analysis is spot on in my case. Would have given it 5 stars if it has a little more body to it, and possibly more science (not that the science was bad at all). However, now I feel understand sleep better and hopefully I can spend less time with my blotches; working so far!

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. Answered a few questions I had. Good perspectives on approaching what you can do.

[Helen Dashwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of very good advice that goes beyond the standard: don't drink caffeine at night; stop using PCs an hour before bedtime etc. The information regarding Z tablets particularly interesting as I've used Zopiclone myself but the facts about its use is rarely given.

I have to say that, when I first started reading it, I found that I was nodding off half way through the chapter, I'm not sure that was the intention by the author but I'm not complaining.

Some sleep advice books/leaflets just come across as condescending and holier-than-thou, however this author writes knowledgeably whilst showing he understands how the insomniac feels and, through the various chapters, sets out how we can go about helping ourselves without being dictatorial about it.

[Lisa Peplow · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Beating Insomnia" by Dr. Tim Cantopher covers the fundamentals of tackling insomnia, making it a suitable starting point for those new to the topic. The book provides a clear overview of various strategies and tips, but unfortunately, it doesn't delve deep into the subject matter. Much of the information shared can be easily found through a simple Google search, making it less valuable for readers already familiar with the basics of insomnia management. However, if you're looking for a concise and accessible introduction to the topic, Dr. Cantopher's book can be a helpful resource.

[Cath Holden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wide awake

Was very hopeful when first reading this book then found that he just rambles on with useless information. No help whatsoever

[Sam]

Location: Online rental

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Phyllida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful as a work of reference but I might have been better off with the print version as easier to find what you want quickly.