Dr. Stephen Holt, M.D. FACP, FRCP (C), MRCP (UK), FACG, FACN, FACAM requires no introduction to the dietary supplement industry or the modern movement of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. His name reverberates with respect for his work in natural medicine on an international basis. This book is an example of Dr. Holt's many contributions to natural pathways to health, where he tackles the natural therapeutics of sleep with "SLEEP NATURALLY".
Tens of millions of Americans cannot get a "good night's sleep." These sleep-deprived individuals may reach for a variety of drugs that have short-term benefits, with long-term disadvantages. The brain is not easily fooled by a simple chemical that may focus on a relatively distinct and small number of tissue receptors. The health costs of side effects from drugs used for sleep are a major problem. This problem is underexplored in medicine and the use of over-the-counter sleeping drugs is a particular concern. To seek alternative approaches with safe and effective approaches to gain restful sleep has become a major health initiative for the nation. This approach is well described in this book.
Poor sleep means poor health. Dr. Holt's account of the physical and mental consequences of sleep deprivation is presented in a manner for everyone to understand. This book is loaded with good advice on changes in lifestyle and behavior that can restore sleep rhythms for the insomniac. Dr. Holt discusses new findings in sleep science, but he probes early research on sleep to rediscover natural, effective approaches to good sleep.
Dr. Holt is best known for his talent in using remedies of natural origins for disease or disorder management. In this book, he addresses the logic of leading-edge dietary supplement technology in the development of natural formulas for sleep. Using the precedent of the safety and efficacy of several herbs and nutrients, Dr. Holt describes the concepts of synergy. The use of synergy in formulations takes balanced doses of natural substances to achieve a desired effect in sleep promotion. Each component of a synergistic formula adds to the overall desired effect. Dr. Holt provides new creative ideas of adding to our natural sleep armamentarium, which includes 5 Hydroxytryptophan, Melatonin, B Vitamins and other alternatives, such as the Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES) device. I enjoy working with Dr. Holt in his continuing attempt to contribute to the "sleep natural feel" with sleep formulas that are natural and do not produce hangovers. Dr. Molt has sought to use "adaptogenic", natural substances, which not only induce hypnosis, but they also help balance body functions for health.
This book is well written in Dr. Holt's classic teaching style. The writings are excellent reading for the restless and anxious Americans who fight their relationships with the obligatory body function of sleep. Americans must thank Dr. Holt for his advice which may enrich people's waking and sleeping experiences. This book is a "must-read" for those people who are encumbered by lack of sleep, poor sleep or other sleep disorders.
Eric R. Braverman
Physician, New York
Best-selling Author
August 2003