Sleep and Dreams (Third Edition)

Author: (English) Empson
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: If readers wish to explore the vast knowledge related to sleep and seek an introductory reading on sleep research, this book is a must-read. This is my recommendation—to all readers seeking entry-level knowledge about sleep. —Colin Shapira, from The Times Higher Education Supplement
Empson's work is exceptionally well-written and stands as the best in its genre, deserving a wide readership. —Ilan Oswald, from Nature magazine
This excellent book provides extensive information on sleep and dreaming. Those without specialized knowledge will find it engaging and easily understandable. Additionally, it includes ample literary and scientific insights. For this reason, even those well-versed in sleep research will discover many fascinating anecdotes and rare insights in this book. —British Journal of Psychiatry
The division of day and night is undoubtedly one of the most profound mysteries of Earth's life. In summary, it is a kind and generous arrangement that allows us to restore vitality through our self-imposed brief rest, free from exhaustion and helplessness, while also protecting us from the relentless passage of time. We are intermittent beings, rising with the dawn and resting at sunset. Our consciousness quickly tires, necessitating intermittent operation, as the world of the next day will bring remarkable changes—some comfortable, others unsettling. Similarly, night and sleep accompany each other, cleverly satisfying our needs with sweet imagery. All of this leaves humanity in awe. Creatures often unknowingly drift into a dark, dreamless sleep to experience countless illusions, even angels would be amazed. Our lives are so fragile yet capable of enduring such extreme differences, yet no philosopher has ever offered an explanation. —Aldous Huxley: The Black Prince
This book is divided into four parts. The first part begins by examining the beliefs of ancient societies in Britain and other countries about sleep, introducing the background of sleep research. The second part covers sleep experiences, with dreaming being one of them. The discovery of rapid eye movement sleep allowed us to anticipate mental activity based on electroencephalograms and other psychophysiological records. The third part discusses the physiology and psychophysiology of sleep. The fourth part addresses various issues related to sleep, comprising three chapters: sleep disorders in adults, psychological therapy for insomnia, and sleep problems in children and their management.
This book aims to serve as a resource for anyone interested in the topic, while also assisting students seeking to expand their knowledge. On one hand, each statement in the book is supported by relevant references, listed in the book for students to consult; on the other hand, general readers who intend to read this book will not find it difficult. The book also includes a comprehensive reference section, which itself serves as a useful directory of sources, particularly for students and professional readers. However, it has been restored to the more commonly used "Harvard-style," where the author's surname and the publication date of the work are provided in the main text. While this can sometimes be cumbersome, it is indeed clear and unambiguous.