Recommended Books for Sounder Sleep Instructors

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Neural Control of Waking and Sleep by Jerome Siegel
Written with incredible clarity and grace by one of our leading sleep scientists, this slim volume traces the history of modern sleep research and describes the role of the nervous system in controlling the sleep-wake cycle. Fascinating reading. Highly recommended.

i of the Vortex: From Neurons to Self by Rodolfo R. Llinás
A brilliant sythesis of research on consciousness, movement and mind, including the author's original studies of the "thalamocortical loop" and the intrinsic oscillatory character of the neuro-muscular system. One of my favorite books.

Sleep by J. A. Hobson
Hobson, one of our most creative sleep researchers, has written the definitive popular account of sleep and dreaming, illustrated in classic Scientific American style. Out of print, but there are tons of low-cost, used copies available from Amazon.com.

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky
Stress is the principal cause of insomnia. So if you want to understand insomnia, you've got to know what stress is all about. Robert M. Sapolsky, a groundbreaking researcher in the science of stress, makes that task easier than it has a right to be with this delightfully entertaining book, now in its third edition. Sapolsky's great gift is to explain complex concepts of biology, physiology, and neurology in simple, compelling language, ensuring that you will laugh as you learn.

The Enchanted World of Sleep by Peretz Lavie
Interweaving facts with fascinating case histories and anecdotes, Peretz Lavie discusses all that is known about sleep, dreaming, and sleep disorders, including landmark discoveries from his own sleep laboratory.

The Promise of Sleep by William A. Dement
The great grand-daddy of American sleep research shares a lifetime of insights on sleep and health. The book could have used a few illustrations, but that is a minor quibble. Essential information.

Anatomy of Movement by Blandine C. Germain
(Almost) everything you always wanted to know about human movement, in picture form. An indispensable reference for all somatic educators.

Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness by James H. Austin
Eight-hundred-plus pages of brilliant observations/speculations on the neural underpinnings of human consciousness. Great material on sleep and dreams, brainwaves, movement and breathing, cognition and meditation. You can open this book to any page and read something fascinating. This might be the one book I would take to a desert island.

My Voice Will Go With You: The Teaching Tales of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. by Sydney Rosen
Milton H. Erickson was arguably the greatest therapeutic communicator of modern times. This highly readable volume details his method through a series of charming tales based on his work with actual patients. The book reveals Erickson's sweetness, compassion, and skill on every page, while providing a practical primer in the art of indirect communication. You'll want to read it again and again.

Breathe, You Are Alive: The Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing by Thich Nhat Hanh
Translation of the Anapanasati, early Buddhist teaching on natural breathing as a vehicle for enlightenment, with commentary by Thich Nhat Hanh. A delight.