Official Review: Now I Lay Me Down TO SLEEP
- Cristina Chifane
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Official Review: Now I Lay Me Down TO SLEEP
In the context of the global health crisis triggered by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, I hear more and more people complaining about sleepless nights. An already existing problem, sleeplessness has recently skyrocketed because of the measures of home self-isolation and quarantine the governments were forced to take in order to limit the spread of the virus. Although she could not have possibly guessed the challenges the world was going to face, Nancy Kuykendall’s self-help guide comes as a providential gift for those suffering from sleep deprivation. Borrowing its title from a classic children’s bedtime prayer from the 18th century, Now I Lay Me Down TO SLEEP is a book that tackles the major reasons for sleeplessness and gives some practical advice on the best ways to fight against its negative consequences.
Nancy Kuykendall’s guide reads quite easily. It has twenty brief chapters that symmetrically start and finish with a quotation belonging to popular wisdom or famous authors. As stated in the introduction, this is not meant to be a medical book; it merely examines the issue of sleep deprivation in terms of its physical, emotional, and spiritual causes. However, the author does not refer to temporary obstacles hindering sleep, like an uncomfortable bed, a new baby, or the temperature in the room. Her intention is to deal with more deep-seated chronic problems common to many. From pain, fear, and worry to finances, inactivity, and bad habits, each chapter focuses on the severe consequences of a specific problem.
On the whole, the book delivers an inspirational and uplifting message for all those whose lives are seriously affected by both lack of sleep and excessive sleep. With kindness and patience, Nancy Kuykendall teaches the readers how to identify and eliminate the root cause of their sleep problems. The chapters of the book can be read in any order, so you can go directly to the chapter you consider appropriate in your own case.
Throughout the book, Nancy’s tone is friendly and encouraging. The book is not about therapy and medication; it is more about spirituality and finding inner peace. What I liked the most was the fact that the author did not shy away from sharing personal experiences. She skillfully uses each experience to extract valuable lessons for those facing similar problems. A life-long musician who has taught music, served in churches, and performed for a wide variety of events, Nancy recommends quiet music, white noise, and nature sounds as good means of distraction when affected by sleeplessness from pain. Apart from one strategy or another, she suggests that her Christian faith was ultimately the main cure for her sleepless nights caused by her motor-phobia, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that she suffered from in her youth, her financial worries, or the loss of a loved one.
As a veritable magician, Nancy finds solutions for every sleep-related problem. Despite the religious references and Bible quotations, the book also abounds in practical ideas that reveal the author’s common sense and down-to-earth judgment. On the same wavelength, she advocates honest discussion and compromise to do away with conflicts and purposeful thought and creativity to adjust to our individual circadian rhythm that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Even if Christian readers will be more likely to be in tune with the religious undertones of the book, there is nothing offensive for people of a different faith. On the contrary, I am recommending the book to all those who suffer from sleeplessness and are ready for introspection and a change of their lifestyles, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
There was nothing I found disturbing about this book. If I were to assume the role of a fault-finder, I would say people looking for more scientific solutions to sleep deprivation will be disappointed if they choose this book. In my case, its spiritual dimension touched both my heart and my mind. I am giving Nancy Kuykendall’s book 4 out of 4 stars. It delivers a great message, it is well-organized, and it has only a few minor editing errors. Hopefully, it will help many people build better habits and relationships at a time when we all ponder on our weaknesses and vulnerability.
******
Now I Lay Me Down TO SLEEP
View: on Bookshelves
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nice review.




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cristinaro wrote: ↑06 May 2020, 03:45 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Now I Lay Me Down TO SLEEP" by Nancy Kuykendall.]
In the context of the global health crisis triggered by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, I hear more and more people complaining about sleepless nights. An already existing problem, sleeplessness has recently skyrocketed because of the measures of home self-isolation and quarantine the governments were forced to take in order to limit the spread of the virus. Although she could not have possibly guessed the challenges the world was going to face, Nancy Kuykendall’s self-help guide comes as a providential gift for those suffering from sleep deprivation. Borrowing its title from a classic children’s bedtime prayer from the 18th century, Now I Lay Me Down TO SLEEP is a book that tackles the major reasons for sleeplessness and gives some practical advice on the best ways to fight against its negative consequences.
Nancy Kuykendall’s guide reads quite easily. It has twenty brief chapters that symmetrically start and finish with a quotation belonging to popular wisdom or famous authors. As stated in the introduction, this is not meant to be a medical book; it merely examines the issue of sleep deprivation in terms of its physical, emotional, and spiritual causes. However, the author does not refer to temporary obstacles hindering sleep, like an uncomfortable bed, a new baby, or the temperature in the room. Her intention is to deal with more deep-seated chronic problems common to many. From pain, fear, and worry to finances, inactivity, and bad habits, each chapter focuses on the severe consequences of a specific problem.
On the whole, the book delivers an inspirational and uplifting message for all those whose lives are seriously affected by both lack of sleep and excessive sleep. With kindness and patience, Nancy Kuykendall teaches the readers how to identify and eliminate the root cause of their sleep problems. The chapters of the book can be read in any order, so you can go directly to the chapter you consider appropriate in your own case.
Throughout the book, Nancy’s tone is friendly and encouraging. The book is not about therapy and medication; it is more about spirituality and finding inner peace. What I liked the most was the fact that the author did not shy away from sharing personal experiences. She skillfully uses each experience to extract valuable lessons for those facing similar problems. A life-long musician who has taught music, served in churches, and performed for a wide variety of events, Nancy recommends quiet music, white noise, and nature sounds as good means of distraction when affected by sleeplessness from pain. Apart from one strategy or another, she suggests that her Christian faith was ultimately the main cure for her sleepless nights caused by her motor-phobia, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that she suffered from in her youth, her financial worries, or the loss of a loved one.
As a veritable magician, Nancy finds solutions for every sleep-related problem. Despite the religious references and Bible quotations, the book also abounds in practical ideas that reveal the author’s common sense and down-to-earth judgment. On the same wavelength, she advocates honest discussion and compromise to do away with conflicts and purposeful thought and creativity to adjust to our individual circadian rhythm that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Even if Christian readers will be more likely to be in tune with the religious undertones of the book, there is nothing offensive for people of a different faith. On the contrary, I am recommending the book to all those who suffer from sleeplessness and are ready for introspection and a change of their lifestyles, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
There was nothing I found disturbing about this book. If I were to assume the role of a fault-finder, I would say people looking for more scientific solutions to sleep deprivation will be disappointed if they choose this book. In my case, its spiritual dimension touched both my heart and my mind. I am giving Nancy Kuykendall’s book 4 out of 4 stars. It delivers a great message, it is well-organized, and it has only a few minor editing errors. Hopefully, it will help many people build better habits and relationships at a time when we all ponder on our weaknesses and vulnerability.
******
Now I Lay Me Down TO SLEEP
View: on Bookshelves
This was a promising review. You did not give any spoilers, yet readers are able to visualize that this book is one of comfort, especially in these COVID-19 times. Restlessness has become sort of the norm presently, therefore it is comforting to note that there are easy solutions that can be applied. Thank you for the review.

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I really commend the writer for a job well done... It sure provides tremendous messages.
I love the spiritual dimension of the book.
Thanks for an awesome review.
Great job.
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I enjoyed your review
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Hope it will be helpful for overcoming sleeplessness and over sleeping. Thanks for your review.
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