Physical Therapist and author Monika M. Suchy puts her many years of physical therapy experience into print with the release of her first book, “The How To Relax and Sleep Book:  Discover Simple Methods That Will Empower You To Master Anxiety and Stress”.  Within its pages, she gently guides her readers through the possible obstacles which can get between them and a good night’s sleep. 

“The How To Relax and Sleep Book” explores the many different problems people can have when attempting to not only fall asleep, but stay asleep.  Suchy offers a variety of helpful tactics to counter anxiety and stress such as conscious breathing, meditation, yoga, stretching, and guided imagery.  Further, she discusses some related and interesting topics like insomnia, the Circadian Rhythm, and various health problems that can cause sleeping problems. 

Containing a handful of editing errors and enclosed in a simplistic but attractive cover, “The How To Relax and Sleep Book” is a quick and easy read for those looking to get a better sleeping experience.  While Suchy wisely begins with a general disclaimer that her book should not be used as a substitute for a doctor’s advice, she explains that the methods contained are what she has found to be the most successful during her tenure as a physical therapist.  She offers detailed step-by-step instructions on the different techniques, making them clear and effortlessly applicable.  I found some of the instruction to be just as usable during the day and outside the comfort of my home.  The conscious breathing techniques, active meditation, and stretching can even be done in the office, walking to the car, or sitting in a waiting room; you don’t have to wait until the evening hours to incorporate such stress and anxiety reduction into your life. 

“The How To Relax and Sleep Book” is written with a calm and comforting tone, making it feel like you are getting some encouraging advice from a good friend and not just reading a book.  Suchy provides an area at the end in an ‘Appendix’-labeled section where the reader can note personal routines, affirmations, track sleeping patterns, observed results, and more, making “The How To Relax and Sleep Book:  Discover Simple Methods That Will Empower You To Master Anxiety and Stress” a truly personalized experience.  

Reviewed on 10/05/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Vicki Landes