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The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox: How We Are Sleeping Our Way to Fatigue, Disease and Unhappiness
Surprising as it may seem, getting eight hours of sleep is the wrong approach to achieve great health and top performance. Most people with disrupted sleep don't know what they're missing because they've never experienced anything different. This book will teach you how to achieve your highest quality sleep to become your best, brightest, most capable self. This 3-step program will show you how you can get the kind of sleep that unlocks your ability to: - Achieve your perfect weight by suppressing your appetite naturally - Slow down the aging process - Wake up happy and refreshed every morning - Improve your energy levels, concentration and mental focus - End daytime sleepiness and brain fog
182 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2016
81 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 27, 2017
I've recently had sleeping problems. So I read two books on sleeping. This one I didn't like. It was basically only about sleep apnea and nothing else.
August 10, 2017
I've read blogs more informative than this book. It felt like it was a basic intro to those getting diagnoses of sleep apnea but nothing else. It is so dumbed down it does not even define basic sleep disorders. It was insightful and confirmed my suspicion that I need to push for polysomnograph but it left me wanting to learn so much more. Also print quality was so poor could not read footnotes of medical citations, and app recomendad is no longer available. Most useful info is alternative treatment to CPAP and how to circumnavigate insurance pitfalls.
June 6, 2017
This book is a must-read for anyone who is sleep deprived, grinds their teeth, wakes up at night to use the bathroom, frequently takes naps during the day, is forgetful and feels that their brain is in a fog. I am all of these, but never understood why. My doctor finally suggested that I have a sleep study in December 2013, and I did the study in January 2014. The study revealed that I have moderate sleep apnea, and I was supplied a C-Pap machine along with tubing and a full face mask and instructed how to use it. That was about the extent of my training. Recently I had become lazy and started using it infrequently. Then I received an email offer to receive the above named book and asked to write a review if I found the book helpful. I just finished reading the book and learned why I need to use my C-Pap faithfully in order to attain the deep sleep that my body requires to function properly, as well as the cumulative damage to my mind and body that results when my breathing is continually disrupted during sleep. The author of the book, Mark Burhenne, DDS, is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of sleep conditions. He and his wife both have sleep apnea, which lead to him researching the causes and treatments of sleep disruption. He shares his knowledge with his patients as well as those who are fortunate enough to read this book which is an easy read, as well as containing a wealth of information. The chapters explain in steps how to measure and treat sleep disorders and then verify our sleep ability. Do yourself a favor and read the book, then share it with your loved ones. You won't be sorry.
April 4, 2023
Definitely had helpful information, I just wish there was a little less background, and a little more application.
June 21, 2021
A must read for anyone wanting to take charge of their health. So many things we are unaware of and need to really explore in order to THRIVE and have optimal health. We only get one life, one body, and we must make the best out of it. Especially good at finding a way to stand up for yourself and your health in front of medical providers. I was especially surprised about how insurance will reject claims at first unless it is argued. They are trying to save money and if patients give up and don't pursue their health, they don't go ahead. So many great quotes in the book! Super quick and easy read!
August 19, 2016
This was initially a very interesting book, but as it wore on, the fact that I was more and more convinced that I did not have any type of sleep disorder, and the fact that the book focused more and more on how to deal with the fact that you have a sleep disorder, made it easy to skip ahead. I'll still use some of the tools, like the sleep monitor. I'm still glad to be informed on how little those arm-worn monitors really do. And it still seems pertinent to know all the ways sleep is beneficial. So, for that reason, I liked it.
October 3, 2017
I had the hardest time reading this book. Although the book has information about sleep disorders and how they affect our lives it was quite difficult to read. The footnotes were placed at the end of each page instead of at the end of the book in an appendix. It disrupted the flow of the book and made the book look choppy and disjointed. I appreciate the information that was given to me about the topics covered but I would not read it again and would not recommend it to family or friends.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2019
This may be a helpful step to determine whether your issue involves how much sleep you are getting. I do not believe it gets incredibly technical. At least, it is not as technical as I've observed this matter can get with my periodontist allies. I was surprised he didn't mention anything about gum health.
I mean, I saw the pictures, but I didn't see anything direct. I thought it was helpful.
I mean, I saw the pictures, but I didn't see anything direct. I thought it was helpful.
June 29, 2017
On the norm, we do not review older books and while this one isn't terribly old, it was published outside of our normal range. Regardless, if you were to peak a look, you would understand its importance. For instance, did you know that mild sleep apnea isn't an insignificant disorder? Did you know that crowded teeth are problematic for your general health?
Hmmmm.....?
Did you know that snoring is not healthy?
We didn't realize any of this. But, there's more. Hence, the book is just as important and as relevant as it was when it was published.
Here's the kicker.
When we knew that the book was published by a doctor, we didn't think much about it. In fact, we assumed that the doctor who wrote this book was the kind that one went to when one was coughing up small amphibians. Wrong.
The doctor who wrote this book is a dentist and when all of the pieces fell into place, he realized the true importance of the connection between the mouth and the general health of an individual. He knew that there was a connection and he knew that it was not minutia. But, he truly closed the gap between what the head knows and what the heart knows, after he lived it.
We surmise that this is normally what causes that gap to meet.
This is an excellent book for readers at any level. It is not overly technical and it is not too complex. No. Dr. Burhenne brings the complex down to the level of the masses.
You need to read this book!
Hmmmm.....?
Did you know that snoring is not healthy?
We didn't realize any of this. But, there's more. Hence, the book is just as important and as relevant as it was when it was published.
Here's the kicker.
When we knew that the book was published by a doctor, we didn't think much about it. In fact, we assumed that the doctor who wrote this book was the kind that one went to when one was coughing up small amphibians. Wrong.
The doctor who wrote this book is a dentist and when all of the pieces fell into place, he realized the true importance of the connection between the mouth and the general health of an individual. He knew that there was a connection and he knew that it was not minutia. But, he truly closed the gap between what the head knows and what the heart knows, after he lived it.
We surmise that this is normally what causes that gap to meet.
This is an excellent book for readers at any level. It is not overly technical and it is not too complex. No. Dr. Burhenne brings the complex down to the level of the masses.
You need to read this book!
July 8, 2017
This is a very useful book for anyone with sleep issues--and we learn from the book that far more of us than realize it have sleep problems. Even mild sleep apnea can have serious long-term effects, and the author explains the importance of good sleep.
Interestingly, the author is a dentist. I had no idea the state of our mouths had so much to do with the state of our sleep health. I'm recommending this book to a friend who has given up using her CPAP and has no idea there is any alternative. One of the most significant things about this book is the range of treatments that Dr. Burhenne shares--not only the variety but also the progression. For example, if you can't tolerate a CPAP machine, you can try a MAD.
Which leads me to my one complaint: I had a hard time keeping all the acronyms straight. It would have been very helpful if the full name of some of the tests and treatments were repeated more frequently rather than using the acronyms after I had forgotten what they meant.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
Interestingly, the author is a dentist. I had no idea the state of our mouths had so much to do with the state of our sleep health. I'm recommending this book to a friend who has given up using her CPAP and has no idea there is any alternative. One of the most significant things about this book is the range of treatments that Dr. Burhenne shares--not only the variety but also the progression. For example, if you can't tolerate a CPAP machine, you can try a MAD.
Which leads me to my one complaint: I had a hard time keeping all the acronyms straight. It would have been very helpful if the full name of some of the tests and treatments were repeated more frequently rather than using the acronyms after I had forgotten what they meant.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
June 15, 2017
Just walking along the street and seeing how exhausted most people's faces look tells us there is a sleeping problem out there. Why is everyone so tired? A great part of the reason is they are not sleeping properly and Dr Mark Burhenne says "sleep-disordered breathing is so common now that we don't even know what normal, healthy sleep breathing looks like".
He is a dentist so fully investigates CPAP machines and how to use them, MAD device and their benefits, medical reimbursements etc and so much more.
My ex had a MAD device fitted and it saved MY life as I no longer had to lay awake listening to his snoring! I was very interested in learning about the 'Sleep Analyzer' app he mentions for my phone to record noises and interruptions during the night as " the brain uses 20% of the body's total haul and when an organ uses a lot of energy, there's a lot of waste produced."
This is a well researched, easy to understand, book on sleep & I will be more mindful tonight. Thank you, Dr Burhenne.
He is a dentist so fully investigates CPAP machines and how to use them, MAD device and their benefits, medical reimbursements etc and so much more.
My ex had a MAD device fitted and it saved MY life as I no longer had to lay awake listening to his snoring! I was very interested in learning about the 'Sleep Analyzer' app he mentions for my phone to record noises and interruptions during the night as " the brain uses 20% of the body's total haul and when an organ uses a lot of energy, there's a lot of waste produced."
This is a well researched, easy to understand, book on sleep & I will be more mindful tonight. Thank you, Dr Burhenne.
June 12, 2020
Helpful advise and exercises
Very helpful and relevant advise for evaluating and seeking advise on sleep apnea. This is especially helpful for those without or not tolerating c- pap. I have had sleep test and have used a Capp machine regularly for years. But I would like to work on all aspects to reduce my problem including facial exercises and investigate a dental devise. I am atypical in that my BMI is normal weight but I have all the facial risk factors and have snored since childhood. This book arms you with information and the appropriate questions to ask your physician. I am going to seek out a dentist who is certified in sleep medicine.
Very helpful and relevant advise for evaluating and seeking advise on sleep apnea. This is especially helpful for those without or not tolerating c- pap. I have had sleep test and have used a Capp machine regularly for years. But I would like to work on all aspects to reduce my problem including facial exercises and investigate a dental devise. I am atypical in that my BMI is normal weight but I have all the facial risk factors and have snored since childhood. This book arms you with information and the appropriate questions to ask your physician. I am going to seek out a dentist who is certified in sleep medicine.
May 23, 2017
Extraordinary new book, covering sleep deprivation and sleep apnea. The book describes why sleep apnea occurs, how dangerous it is for our brain, and how it is the cause of many of our health issues today, like: hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and many more. The author, Mark Burhenne, explains in detail how to get tested, and what the solutions are. A completely new insight into the damage that sleep apnea can cause. This book can give you the knowledge how to improve the quality of your sleep and therefore the quality of your life. Highly recommendable read!
May 8, 2019
Does not discuss Functional Orthodontics to correct the airway and TMD (if present). Only really suggests MAD or CPAP which for many would be helpful but correcting the airway corrects the cause. This should be included.
I was hoping this book would help me understand more about that process. But it didnt. I have found out more about things discussed in this book from two conversations I’ve had with my Functional Dentist.
It’s still worth a read but not as advanced for me a I’d hoped.
I was hoping this book would help me understand more about that process. But it didnt. I have found out more about things discussed in this book from two conversations I’ve had with my Functional Dentist.
It’s still worth a read but not as advanced for me a I’d hoped.
February 6, 2020
Great book with lots of information Very interesting read about how many people in America have some kind of sleeping disorder.
It didn't apply to me or anyone in my family, but now that I read it I could direct somebody to the appropriate professionals if they did--Dentist? --Go see your physician! Physician. Physician.
It didn't apply to me or anyone in my family, but now that I read it I could direct somebody to the appropriate professionals if they did--Dentist? --Go see your physician! Physician. Physician.
August 6, 2020
Yes we know that sleep is important, but this book explore on the possibility “what if we sleep poorly but don't realize it”. Viewed from dentist perspective, there are easy ways to observe if you do need to seek further help. And even if you are okay, it's always nice to learn new things.
May 27, 2022
Basically - almost nobody is sleeping well. But the body knows how to cope with many things and hence, we get along.
Its more suited to the first world of medicine and care - - but I found it helpful.
Get an app and hear yourself through the night
Takes 30 mins to read the book.
Its more suited to the first world of medicine and care - - but I found it helpful.
Get an app and hear yourself through the night
Takes 30 mins to read the book.
April 30, 2021
Lots of good info in this quick read. The connection between poor sleep and cancer was eye opening.
December 7, 2021
Wonderful book
This book is down to earth, simple to understand and gives you actionable information. I highly recommend it for all.
This book is down to earth, simple to understand and gives you actionable information. I highly recommend it for all.
March 16, 2022
I would’ve liked more information on how to change daily habits to help. It was very informative but without a diagnosis it’s not as helpful for my family.
May 14, 2022
Very informative.
June 25, 2016
Shall we dispense with the legalities first? I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. There are many first rate reviews of this book already listed, and I shall try not to duplicate too much of those reviews.
When the chance to read and review this book came across my screen, I jumped at it. I've suffered from insomnia since I first became a mother. (Yes, I think there might be a correlation, and though my kids no longer live at home, I truly wonder if insomnia, in this case, became a habit I need to learn to break? Or is there a more sinister, underlying cause?)
I quite literally read this book in one sitting; I found it that well written and that informative. As a child (post tonsillectomy) I required 9-10 hours of sleep a night, as an adult, that time dropped to around 8, and I now consider myself lucky to get 7. Do I snore? I don't know. No one has ever complained about it, but I am going to get one of the apps for my phone to find out.
And I am going to ask my dentist the questions Dr. Burhenne recommends. In fact, I have ordered a copy of the book to give him well before my next visit so he will have a better idea of why I'm asking the questions. I am also going to talk to my MD about the possibility of a sleep study.
If you sleep, I recommend you read this book. If you sleep but don't sleep well, this book could, literally, save your life. If your sleep partner snores, snorts, mumbles, &c, in her/his sleep, this book could save his/her life—and possibly your partnership.
One of the first things I noticed is the use of footnotes v. end notes. Dr. Burhenne gets extra points for that (I hate end notes). The second thing I noticed is they are grey, not black; however, they are mostly bibliographical not informational, so I'll give him a pass on that one.
This book is well researched, and very well written. Although the subject is serious, deadly serious, the writing is easy to read, interspersed with personal stories, and totally accessible by the average reader. I have already recommended this book to friends of mine who are on CPAP machines (I finished reading it yesterday). He doesn't just tell you how to get checked out, he tells you how to get through the maze of insurance forms, and he gives you check lists in the appendices to help you determine if you need to be checked out by a sleep specialist, and to copy and take the forms with you. And he explains the hows, the whys, and the options and alternatives to CPAPs.
Who would think that a dentist, of all people, would be an expert in sleep disorders? Who would even think of asking their dentist about their sleep disorder? I certainly didn't! But I will now. I hope Dental Schools read this book, and consider developing a class, mandatory, for all dental students, so they are at least aware of it. Dentists are, after all, our first defense against disease. Who knew?
Buy this book. You need it. It may save your life. Honest. Trust me.
When the chance to read and review this book came across my screen, I jumped at it. I've suffered from insomnia since I first became a mother. (Yes, I think there might be a correlation, and though my kids no longer live at home, I truly wonder if insomnia, in this case, became a habit I need to learn to break? Or is there a more sinister, underlying cause?)
I quite literally read this book in one sitting; I found it that well written and that informative. As a child (post tonsillectomy) I required 9-10 hours of sleep a night, as an adult, that time dropped to around 8, and I now consider myself lucky to get 7. Do I snore? I don't know. No one has ever complained about it, but I am going to get one of the apps for my phone to find out.
And I am going to ask my dentist the questions Dr. Burhenne recommends. In fact, I have ordered a copy of the book to give him well before my next visit so he will have a better idea of why I'm asking the questions. I am also going to talk to my MD about the possibility of a sleep study.
If you sleep, I recommend you read this book. If you sleep but don't sleep well, this book could, literally, save your life. If your sleep partner snores, snorts, mumbles, &c, in her/his sleep, this book could save his/her life—and possibly your partnership.
One of the first things I noticed is the use of footnotes v. end notes. Dr. Burhenne gets extra points for that (I hate end notes). The second thing I noticed is they are grey, not black; however, they are mostly bibliographical not informational, so I'll give him a pass on that one.
This book is well researched, and very well written. Although the subject is serious, deadly serious, the writing is easy to read, interspersed with personal stories, and totally accessible by the average reader. I have already recommended this book to friends of mine who are on CPAP machines (I finished reading it yesterday). He doesn't just tell you how to get checked out, he tells you how to get through the maze of insurance forms, and he gives you check lists in the appendices to help you determine if you need to be checked out by a sleep specialist, and to copy and take the forms with you. And he explains the hows, the whys, and the options and alternatives to CPAPs.
Who would think that a dentist, of all people, would be an expert in sleep disorders? Who would even think of asking their dentist about their sleep disorder? I certainly didn't! But I will now. I hope Dental Schools read this book, and consider developing a class, mandatory, for all dental students, so they are at least aware of it. Dentists are, after all, our first defense against disease. Who knew?
Buy this book. You need it. It may save your life. Honest. Trust me.
August 28, 2016
I'm awed. I thought that I sleep enough: eight hours on weekdays and even ten on weekends. I've always been a poor sleeper, but I also always blamed the stress or non-perfect sleeping conditions. Because of this book I started recording my nights, and the results have been startling. I'm going to see a dentist next and have a statement from her point of view. And then I'm going to find a sleep specialist.
I've always thought that I just need more discipline, more exercise, perfect diet and perhaps the sleep would then get better. I've used huge amount of will power to do the right things, but year by year I've gotten more exhausted and more easily I turn to caffeine and sugar.
I found the book very informing and inspiring. I have to admit that I was hoping more natural ways of improving ones breathing. There is mouth exercises, which I'm going to use as well. But I guess there is quite little to do, if your physiology is the problem.
I think this book contains good information how to try to get tested and what options there are for treatment. I believe this information is very essential. I don't know how hard it will be to get treated in Finland. I know people who have been diagnosed a mild sleep apnea, and not treated, because it is mild. I didn't think it odd by the time, but after reading this book I'm very worried. I know many people who have been snoring all their lives, and it hasn't been treated. They've been OK when young. So their snoring hasn't been took seriously while young and fit, and now doctors say that they need to loose weight to get rid of snoring, or get better bed, or to try any other popular sleep hacks.
This book was very well written and I liked the structure of it. I will use it as a guide while doing my best to get myself tested and treated.
I've always thought that I just need more discipline, more exercise, perfect diet and perhaps the sleep would then get better. I've used huge amount of will power to do the right things, but year by year I've gotten more exhausted and more easily I turn to caffeine and sugar.
I found the book very informing and inspiring. I have to admit that I was hoping more natural ways of improving ones breathing. There is mouth exercises, which I'm going to use as well. But I guess there is quite little to do, if your physiology is the problem.
I think this book contains good information how to try to get tested and what options there are for treatment. I believe this information is very essential. I don't know how hard it will be to get treated in Finland. I know people who have been diagnosed a mild sleep apnea, and not treated, because it is mild. I didn't think it odd by the time, but after reading this book I'm very worried. I know many people who have been snoring all their lives, and it hasn't been treated. They've been OK when young. So their snoring hasn't been took seriously while young and fit, and now doctors say that they need to loose weight to get rid of snoring, or get better bed, or to try any other popular sleep hacks.
This book was very well written and I liked the structure of it. I will use it as a guide while doing my best to get myself tested and treated.
October 25, 2020
A Life-Changing Read!
Research for questions regarding a prescribed bite guard, led me to this book. Once I started it, I took every spare moment to pick it up again until finished. Dr. Burhenne has clearly articulated the root cause of not just my health issues, but the issues of many of my loved ones. He not only takes the reader on a journey of understanding the underlying causes, but how to accomplish treatment - including overcoming the bureaucratic red tape of your insurance providers. Definitely a life- changing read!
Research for questions regarding a prescribed bite guard, led me to this book. Once I started it, I took every spare moment to pick it up again until finished. Dr. Burhenne has clearly articulated the root cause of not just my health issues, but the issues of many of my loved ones. He not only takes the reader on a journey of understanding the underlying causes, but how to accomplish treatment - including overcoming the bureaucratic red tape of your insurance providers. Definitely a life- changing read!
December 24, 2015
Sleep disorders are a big problem that effect us all. In our health care system today we wait until something is wrong before fixing or too late. When you sleep and snore it often is a sign of much larger problems with our health. This book puts the importance of sleep issues into perspective and is a great read!
July 25, 2016
Sleep well and live
This is by far a most informative and practical book. I recommend this to anyone who knows anyone period. Preventing your decline in health is essential and breathing is the stuff of life. Bravo Dr. Burhenne!
This is by far a most informative and practical book. I recommend this to anyone who knows anyone period. Preventing your decline in health is essential and breathing is the stuff of life. Bravo Dr. Burhenne!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews