ALA Booklist (Mon May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2006)

Distilling information from dozens of recent clinical studies, Brynie pairs specific answers to brief questions on the nature and stages of sleep and its complex effects on the brain and body, sleep disorders, and the function of dreaming. Appended to each chapter is a separate discussion on the chapter's topic; accompanying the chapter How and Why We Sleep, for example, is a section about teen sleeping habits. Other such sections discuss animal dreaming, a night in a sleep lab, and circadian rhythms. A generous multimedia resource list, a glossary, and extensive notes conclude. Although Brynie urges readers to get more sleep, be cautious when using chemical sleep aids, and consult a doctor for such seemingly innocuous symptoms as snoring; the density and utilitarian format of her presentation, like others in the 101 Questions About series, make it more suitable for research than for general reading. Byrnie closes with the thought that there are still more questions about sleep than answers t her useful study provides much on a set of topics relevant to every reader.

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2006)

In five chapters, straightforward questions and answers cover how, why, and when we sleep as well as brain activity during sleep, dreams, and sleep disorders. A few black-and-white photos and simple diagrams break up the text but add little. Each chapter includes a "Feature," an exploration of a quirkier aspect of sleep. Directory, reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Voice of Youth Advocates

What is sleep? How does missing sleep affect the body? Why does one sleep through some noises and not others? Is snoring anything to worry about? Why does one dream? These and other questions are presented in a logical order and answered in clear, concise text that is accessible to a wide age range. Included are such issues as how sleep works, the biology of sleep, the brain, and the role of neurotransmitters. Brynie discusses sleep at different age levels, while particularly addressing her adolescent audience. The author cites authoritative research and studies as examples. Diagrams are clear and complement the text, but some illustrations are peripheral. An example is a photo of Brahms, included because he might have suffered from sleep apnea. Included are an excellent glossary, substantial sources for further information (including books, articles, Web sites, and agencies), and source notes. This supporting material is a model of good scholarship for students. Like the author's other titles in this series-101 Questions About Your Skin (Lerner, 2000), 101 Questions About Reproduction (2006), and four others-this title will be very useful for school projects or for readers interested in the topic and should be available in public and school libraries serving ages twelve and up.-Alice F. Stern.