The Calm and Cozy Book of Sleep: Rest + Dream + Live: Volume 13 (Live Well, 13)

Great book easier simpler then the man his self Dr. Michael Breus PhD but I recommend it “ the power of when”. Changed my life.

I intermittently suffer from insomnia and LOVED reading this book that has a wide variety of ideas to help you sleep. I also LOVED the pretty drawings and quotes. I would recommend buying this book for your friends that are into "self care" that intermittently suffer from insomnia. It's a great little book to give as a gift! =0)

I must confess that as a Sleep Coach myself, I have learned so much from this book. It's beautiful, insightful and full of wisdom.

As a lifelong insomniac, even by the author’s definition, there are some solid suggestions in this beautifully illustrated book.First the chapters:**** Sleep Basics**** Your Bedroom**** Changing your thinking about Sleep**** Getting Ready for Bed**** Falling Asleep**** Using Sleep Aids**** While your supposed to be sleeping**** Waking upThe book points out many of the things that are typically told to insomniacs, but there are some I’ve never seen, but have observed that have really helped me, that are included in this book.One was, as simple as it may seem, to be aware of when you are getting sleepy and starting to yawn at night. If you fight and it passes, you may have set yourself up for a difficult time falling asleep. We are a cyclical species and we can fight our own natures at a cost. This is one.Another was the attitude about sleeping. I dreaded going to bed each night or waking up in the middle of the night, this book said that too plays a part. You need to change your attitude. I’ve prior to this book addressed the issue with falling asleep (I will go into that later), but the waking up in the middle of the night is still an issue. This book emphasizes, even though you may not be sleeping, the rest is a good thing and the last thing you want to do is get worked up about it.Regarding falling asleep, she has many suggestions here. One was similar to my solution prior to reading this book: Listening to “Sleep Stories” in the Calm app. For me that was a life saver. Look them up if this is an issue you have.Finally I did have one issue with what the author suggested and that was keeping cool. I don’t know if I am unique, but if I am cold or chilled in any fashion, I cannot sleep. I need to be warm. I can’t imagine sleeping in a 68 degree room.Overall the book is a useful bunch of suggestions on how to sleep better and the book is a joy to look at.

I have had trouble sleeping for awhile. My go-to of late has been to use the youtube videos with white noise like rain and that has helped to some degree, but when I saw "The Calm and Cozy Book of Sleep: Rest + Dream + Live (Live Well)" by Beth Wyatt, I figured it was worth the time to read. The page count was reasonable in that it was under 130 pages so I figured it would keep it simple and readable.And that's exactly how it is. It does read with the efficiency of magazine articles. I like that. I don't want an overload of medical terminology on why I have trouble sleeping. I just want easy to understand information and suggestions on things to try. More than that and I'll go to the doctor. So far, the best thing has been 'getting ready for bed'. I never needed a bed time ritual for so long because as long as I was showered, hair dry, and in sleep clothes, I could flick the light off and I was out. That doesn't work anymore and it made/makes me frustrated which keeps me awake even longer. So the chapter on preparing for bed (dimming lights, taking a shower at least 45 minutes before going to bed, no caffeine after a certain point in evening, non-electronic activities like reading a book or journaling, etc) is something that has been helpful. I was pleased to see that white noise is a viable sleep aid too so I can continue to use that trick when needed.So it has been a good guide for me. But I will say that the element that took it from a 4-star to 5-star was I really love the artwork. The spread on pages 59 and 60 are inspirational and soothing. The artwork is a nice touch that adds to the calm and cozy vibe.