iUniverse, 176 pages, (paperback) $15.95, 9781475979978
(Reviewed: July, 2013)
On the cover of Insomnia and Stretch to Sleep™ -Program, author Claes Zell promises “a ten minute program before going to bed, to improve your sleep.” Zell speaks from experience—as a chronic insomniac himself he was highly motivated to find a remedy for his sleep deprivation.
It’s clear from the many scientific sources the author cites that he has researched the subject extensively. Unfortunately, the book suffers from several drawbacks.
First, readers will find a full 85 pages of unrelated sleep information before getting to the program itself. This information, (sleep positions, sleep architecture, sleep hygiene, and more) is delivered in too compressed a space and often presented in dry, textbook-style narrative. Occasional personal commentary doesn’t always flow well and can seem out of place.
It is not until Part 3 that the author describes the theoretical underpinnings of his program, which include aspects of the central nervous system, Eastern philosophies of health and healing, and the importance of exercise and stretching. In this section, he also belatedly describes the profile of the person (restless, with stiff legs or muscles, never feeling restored, and always in a hurry) who would benefit most from the program. The “how to” portion of the book begins in Part 4, when various muscles and related stretching exercises are described and illustrated.
The book contains confusing syntax and many typographical errors. For example, the introduction includes this head scratcher: "People with poor sleep can't have any form of out coming disruption and weak sleep abilities craving all forms of solutions." While admirable that the author, not a native speaker, wished to write in English, this is a case where an editor’s services is needed to help shape the content more cohesively.
In sum, while the book may provide an occasional useful factoid or tip, it is not user-friendly for readers needing detailed sleep advice.
Also available in hardcover and ebook.
Author’s Current Residence
Stockholm, Sweden
Source: BlueInk Review
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