Is My Child Overtired?: The Sleep Solution for Raising Happier, Healthier Children

This was on sale at a local bargain bookstore. I was able to read the whole thing in less than two days, and I was impressed with the author's knowledge about the subject. I must say, more than any other book I have read, he seems to pinpoint many of the symptoms of sleep loss and the general seriousness of it. I have one twin that is a terrible sleeper, and this book described her problems with complete accuracy. I agree with the author that it's a serious problem that can add so many other difficulties to your family life that might not even occur to you are related. One of the most important things he points out is that just because your friends are putting their kids to bed at 9pm, doesn't mean it's right for your child. In fact, they probably shouldn't be doing it, either. He includes charts on how much sleep kids actually need to help give you some idea. I have also read the No Cry Sleep Solution books (including the toddler version). I would recommend those as companions to this book, as those books have more examples of actual techniques.

If you are looking for a way to get your child to sleep, this is the book for you. Parents are always complaining that the worst time of day is night time and getting their child to sleep. Dr. Wilkoff's book teaches you, the parent, how to teach your child sleep independence. It's very easy reading and lays everything out for simple understanding. He includes a chart that tells how much sleep your child needs at what age. It's takes a stern and committed heart but the rewards are wonderful. I have a 13 month old who loves his bed and I rarely fight with him to go to sleep. Sometimes he even perfers to be in his crib when he is tired. Now when other parents are complaining about their child's bed time, usually 10:00 or 10:30pm, I tell them about this book. It's not only good for newborns and infants but for teenagers and adults as well. Everyone can benefit from this book. I heard about this book from my sister. Dr. Wilkoff is my niece and nephew's pediatrician. She also followed this book and her children are wonderful sleepers and because of their sleep habits they are performing very well in school. You will be very satisfied. Not for the weak hearted. On occasion you will have to hear your child cry, but teaching good sleep habits now will benefit them in the long run.

I wish I had found this book when my son was younger. Instead, I wasted time feeling guilty when Dr. Weisbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby" told me my baby wouldn't cry if only I would get my timing "perfect" or fretted when Dr. Jodi Mindell's book told me I absolutely could not nurse my six month old right before bed. Maybe my exhaustion with all the other "expert" baby sleep books is the reason why I appreciated this book so much. I found it, first of all, a very organized straightforward book. It laid out EXACTLY how much sleep babies need by age, and it gave very simple advice on how to achieve those sleep needs. And, frankly, I found the author's willingness to acknowledge that sleep training is going to result in some crying to be a refreshing change of pace from Weisbluth's coy allusions to catching your baby's "wave" of tiredness, and "surfing" him to a cry free sleep. Obviously, if you are put off by any "crying it out" references, you are not going to be crazy about this book. But I found it straighforward, simple,and organized.

As a sleep researcher and educator I am always looking for simply written "how to" books based on strong empirical evidence. Dr. Wilkoff knows what he is talking about and covers all the bases. Want to avoid unnecessarily cranky children? Want to live with a happy youngster who is fully alert all day long? Want to be a better parent? Read this book!