Category: sleep

When patients complain of “insomnia,” Dr. Lawrence Epstein becomes a medical detective. “There are 75 types of sleep disorders and each type requires a somewhat different approach,” says Dr. Epstein. “The best starting point is a good diagnosis.” His book, The Harvard Medical School Guide to A Good Night’s Sleep, helps readers self-diagnose their problem and whether they need professional help or can resolve the problem on their own. Research shows that good sleep helps people have better health, fewer accidents, and live longer.

Dr. Epstein is Director of the Harvard-affiliated SleepHealth Centers, teaches at Harvard, and is a past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. His website, which has a lot of practical tips on sleep is www.sleepandyou.com.