Sleep and Dreams, Third Edition

Author: Ernest Hemingway
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2005-10-19
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 Shapiro, from The Times Higher Education Supplement
Hemingway's work is exceptionally well-written and stands as the finest in its genre, deserving a wide readership. —Iain Oswald, from Nature
This excellent book provides extensive information on sleep and dreaming. Those without specialized knowledge will find it engaging and accessible. 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. —British Journal of Psychiatry
The division of day and night must surely be one of the deepest mysteries of earthly life. In summary, it is a kind arrangement that allows us to restore vitality through our self-imposed brief rest, free from exhaustion and unable to escape, 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 fatigues, necessitating intermittent operation, as the world of the next day will bring astonishing changes—whether comfortable or unsettling. Similarly, night and sleep accompany each other, cleverly satisfying our needs with sweet visions. All of this leaves humanity in awe. Creatures often enter the dark realm of sleep without conscious awareness, experiencing countless illusions that even angels would marvel at. Our lives are so fragile yet capable of enduring such extremes, yet no philosopher has ever explained it. —Aldous Huxley: The Black Prince
The book is divided into four parts. The first part explores 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 (REM) sleep allowed us to anticipate mental activity based on EEG 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.
The 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 assertion is supported by relevant references listed in the book for students to consult. On the other hand, general readers who intend to read the book will find it accessible. The book also includes a comprehensive reference section, which itself serves as a valuable resource directory, particularly for students and professional readers. However, it has been restored to the more commonly used "Harvard-style" format, where the author's surname and the publication date of the cited work are provided in the main text. While this can sometimes appear cumbersome, it ensures clarity and precision.