Truly a “compass” for the insomniac

Zen and the Art of Sleep
This is a welcomed book for the insomniac, as well as for any one with an interest in sleep. I practiced “traditional” Sleep Medicine for 20 yrs (now retired), and recognize the need for more options to help people sleep. Inspite of knowing little about Zen, I found this book was quite readable and easy to follow.
The author, Eric Chiles, suffered with insomnia for years, and pursued the traditional modalities and approaches with little success. He then took “up Zen” and found it useful in resolving his insomnia! Although the mention in the book that thinking itself interferes with sleep is well known, most of the approach to sleep and sleeplessness discussed is not something found in the Western-tradional Sleep Medicine or psychology literature. “A Zen approach is about experiencing reality free from any distortions,” “Zen is about removing all manner of

interpretation in order to replace concepts with direct experience” and finally, “there is no right way: there is only how things are, which can rarely if ever be captured by a set of beliefs” sums up the points Mr. Chiles makes that I found most useful in differentiating his approach to the techniques I practiced for years with varying success (cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, relaxation methods). It would be confusing, and a disservice for me to try and further discuss what I “learned” from this book. Suffice to say that I have actually followed what is suggested and found it simple, highly useful, and effective, in helping with my occasssioanl bad night of sleep! Also, I would highly recommend this book to my patients if I were still practicing Sleep Medicine.
“Zen and the Art of Sleep is like a compass” (pg 20), I agree; this book is a very useful guide to help everyone sleep well.
Gus Castellanos, MD sleepcompass.com