Dear Reader,

Most people who write a book don’t set out to put you to sleep. But we understand better than almost anyone how difficult it is for many people to get quality sleep, and we know that we can help.

The information in Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep stems from our experiences in helping thousands of people searching for better sleep as well as the latest published research and the advice of professional medical associations. It can serve as both a starting place and an ongoing reference for anyone who wants to sleep better.

We want to stress that this book isn’t intended to equip you to diagnose and treat sleep disorders on your own. Only a physician can diagnose a sleep condition, and often a certified sleep specialist may be best suited to do so. However, we understand that not everyone has access to a sleep clinic and the deep expertise you can find there. The goal of the book is to help you understand your sleep and how it affects your health and well-being. This can make you a more informed partner as you and your physician work together to improve your sleep.

So, can Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep really put you to sleep? Well, we certainly hope it’s far too interesting to make you nod off while reading it. But we truly believe it can help you on your journey to getting a better night’s sleep and to gaining the many health benefits that come from that.