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Desperately Seeking Snoozin' is now being recommended by sleep clinics in the US and Canada for their insomnia patients.

There are currently over 20 reviews of the book at Amazon.com.  We invite you to visit the location.  A link to the reviews on Amazon.com can be found at the bottom of this page.

Please read the March, 1999 A2Zzz Newletter from the APT- Association of Polysomnographic Technologists at the bottom of this page.

Dr. Peter Hauri, considered by many to be the world's leading authority on insomnia, says Desperately Seeking Snoozin' is "A book that every insomniac should read". Dr. Hauri is Director of the Mayo Clinic Insomnia Program and author of No More Sleepless Nights.

"... must reading for anyone who needs a workable alternative to sleeping pills and knock-out medications in order to secure a good night’s rest."--Midwest Book Review

6/15/01 "John, I just want to thank you for basically saving my life. I don't like to admit this, but my insomnia was starting to cause thoughts that were close to suicide. I have only been a "proffesional insomniac" for a little over a year, so I can't tell you how much I admire you for dealing with it for so long. I am only 9 nights into my "recovery" but I don't think I'll be having any recurrences. Anyway, I just want to tell you that you deserve tons of credit for what you have shared with the world. Thank you, and I hope everything goes well for you and your family." Sandy Wolbert Baltimore, MD

06/09/01 "Dear Mr.. Wiedman,  I just wanted to let you know that after almost 3 years of trying to find a way to cure my insomnia--I finally did it. I have written you before and you will probably remember me. (How many Fannie's do you hear from?) Anyway, if you remember, I had always taken something, either over-the-counter or prescription medication to sleep. I honestly thought that was the only way to sleep. Well, I finally weaned myself off of everything-Ambien, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Vistaril--and guess what? I sleep more soundly and feel better than I have in 3 years, BY FAR. And if I don't sleep except for 3-4 hours at the most--I still feel better-more alert than I ever did while taking something. I guess I thought I would just fall down dead if I didn't sleep, but I discovered different. I am anti-sleep medication big-time now. I would be a wonderful advocate for natural ways to sleep. And I tried everything on the market too. And they all had bad side effects. My headaches, upset stomach, shakiness-all gone. And as a good side effect- I lost 10 pounds to boot. I have read every book, viewed every tape, special on TV, read everything on-line, etc.....And your book, with it's simple common sense was what finally clinched with me. I don't know why, a lot of what you said I had read or heard before. But anyway--it worked. I will say-some of the things that work for you don't work for me. If I get up when I can't fall asleep--I will wake myself up even further and have a harder time getting sleepy again. If I just lay in bed, I will fall asleep pretty soon and I am relaxed more.
I really enjoyed your book and if you ever come to GA, let me know and I would love to come and hear you speak and introduce myself. Thank you ". Fannie C. Searels, GA

2/07/01 "Well, I've been using the plan for about one week. This is truly amazing. How simple but what a wonderful result. I am using the diary to keep track of my diet nd exercise. I had problems going to sleep for many years. Then throw in Sleep Apnea on top of all of that.
WOE ! Talk about no sleep !! Well, to save time I'll close with this:
I am now sleeping with the CPAP mask, exercising and doing better on my choice of foods. I go to sleep within 15 minutes !!!!!! I have not done that in my entire life. (I'm 49 ) Thanks again !!!!!!! God Bless Richard Aubrey

2/05/01 "Finally sleep got bad enough to take your book off the shelf and reread. Another miracle. Back on track. It is astonding how reading your words instills confidence and the negative of staying up until 1, becomes a positive. You have done many people a service. Many, many thanks again." Ginger Biasotto

05/06/01 "Dear John, After reading your book and trying your plan to the letter and watching immediate improvements in my sleep, I came to one inescapable conclusion, you are a genius!!
Thank you for your insight into this maddening and frustrating area of our lives and thank you for sharing it by writing what you know and publishing it.
I have been n the program for 4 weeks and my sleep diary is helping me to get continual improvements as I go along....Thank you once again from my heart for your help with this area!
Regards Kailash", San Jose , California

01/28/01 "Dear Mr. Wiedman, I am on day four of freedom from insomnia. Your plan works. I can feel in my bones that this is not a temporary cure. If I am scrupulous about my plan, then I feel I will have successful sleep as long as I like. What I like most is that you have been there. Your book wasn't written by someone who was spouting bromidic ideas. You have been to hell and back, and were able to
point out the same landmarks I've seen....There has been an unexpected benefit to this whole cure. Now that I have a specific bedtime and a specific wake-up time, I find I have a whole half day added to my schedule. Mornings usually came and went for me. I would rarely be functional before 11:00. Now, when I awake at 7:30, I can plan my day much more efficiently. The interesting thing is, I'm not going to bed much later than I usually have been used to. Voila: added hours to my day. I have a framework now that I haven't really had since I graduated from college. Plus, now that I'm waking up with much more of the human race, and not knocking around all forlorn in the wee hours, I feel much more human. I have
also discovered that 8-10 am is the best time for going to the gym. I have had the BEST workouts these past few days...Sincerely, a well rested Eric Lane Barnes, Seattle, WA

10/22/00 Posted on Pillow Talk:
"I have been following John Wiedman's book, Suddenly seeking snoozing' for about 2 weeks. FIRST TIME IN YEARS THAT I HAVE SLEPT. In fact, I look forward to being able to go to bed at my designated sleep time. Finally instead of walking the house aimlessly and watching nonsense on TV, I follow my pre-sleep routine, something I have not had in about 20 yrs and find I am ready to sleep. After a few days, I told my husband, "I have to stay up until 2:00am." He said, But you stay up until 4 or 5am anyways. But having a plan really works Yes, some bad nights but nothing like before. I actually feel rested and look forward to a LIFE. Something I did not have prior to this book. I was as my husband said " A vampire person" Awake when everyone else was asleep and asleep when everyone was awake. Not anymore. THANK YOU JOHN FOR SHARING YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CURE!!!!!!!!!!"  Joal Santoro

10/13/00 "Hi John, I just had to check in once more, now that is has been over three months on the program and let you know - i am not even a recovering insomniac anymore - I am a normal sleeper!!!! Amazing!! I now fall asleep anytime I am tired enough and can sleep regularly for 7, 8 or even 9 hours a night! This I have not done in six years. Sleep thoughts don't even enter my head anymore.
I used your program for the first two months to get me on the path to recovery and then I did something else, that I highly recommend. I saw a clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and all we worked on was letting sleep come naturally again and NOT thinking about ways to get to sleep. He helped me take the focus off the techniques which you taught until I no longer had to use any techniques - which is what normal sleepers do. This is important - as techniques tend to become like a sleeping pill. You think you won't be able to sleep if you haven't followed all the steps. But, I must stress, I was already sleeping 80% better with the techniques, it was just time to let them go and return to normal. If I can do it, many more insomniacs should be able to as well. We don't have to think sleep is something we will always have to do something about, in order to achieve. We should do nothing in order to sleep - that is the ultimate goal. Rhis however, requires a program to begin the process back to
sleep. I have shared my insights with some people on the forum and trying to coach them through from start to finish. I hope they can achieve this bliss as successfully as I have been able to (with a great deal of help from the big guy upstairs, I must add!!))...Thanks again for your wonderful program. My husband calls me superwoman now, as he had never known me as a normal sleeper and didn't know what I was capable of!!  Best, Kelly Lam, Hong Kong"

10/03/00 "I had to mail you and tell you how greatful I am for this book. I checked out 7 books on insomnia and almost didn't want to read yours because I thought a single person's bout with insomnia wouldn't help me. I was wrong. Your belief and encouragement that this plan would work, along with the comments that there will be times that it might not work, made me a believer. (Insomnia for me is now psychological.) You were so adament... (I am not a writer and this mail doesn't have spell check. Bare with me.)about sticking to it and how it worked for you that I went to bed the very first night and slept. I've been sleeping since. The two times that I had to cheat (Took medicine for the flu and slept too long) did get me off track and the ol' sleeplessness crept back in, but I know that I can get back on track and I'm not worried. A thousand thank yous!!! It's been 3 weeks for me. Now I have to figure out how to sleep with my husband. He's been a doll and stayed on the couch to help me in my quest for sleep.." Melanie McLeod, Palm Bay, Florida

9/23/00 Dear Mr. Desperately Seeking Snoozin,  Ordered your book after many sleepless years. You know the story.  It gave me the courage to fail. Happily, I think I am a success story and the fact that your book made me feel less alone in my nightly endeavor is, I suspect, the key. So a million thanks and here's to many sleep filled nights for all of us.- Anonymous

9/15/00 Dear John, I am so grateful to you for writing your book. My life had become a complete mess because of my insomnia. I am normally a happy, healthy person who enjoys many activities, but the insomnia was destroying me. I own my own business so it made it easy to hide my insomnia from the world. I have tried every medication there is and I could no longer live on medication. I have followed your advice completely and I have slept sound for 7 nights in a row. Life is wonderful again and I just wanted to thank you. I have bought your book for those people who I have met with the same problem and I only hope it does the same for them. Insomnia is the worst thing that ever happened to me and it has damaged many relationships for me because of my irritability that I could not control. That person was not me.... - Eileen, New Orleans

9/04/00 Hello John! I am now into the 4th week of your method and it is working!! I am pinching myself every morning in disbelief!! I am one of those insomniacs who goes to sleep easily but wakes up two hours later, goes back to sleep again, wakes up two hours later and is awake the rest of the night. Well, I am now off Ambien entirely, and after a rough first night off it, my awake periods are slowly ratcheting down. Never again will I use any hypnotic, prescription sleep aid! I was thoroughly addicted and I will never allow that to happen again!! It has been one step at a time eliminating morning naps, then afternoonnaps, etc. I have passed your book on to one of my friends who has been on Ambien for 4 years. Thanks a lot, man you have done the world a great service.- Dick Cahall

8/24/00 I came across your e-mail on the pillow talk discussion group. I would first like to tell you that I am a huge fan of your book. I have also recommended your book to others. I work at a large university on the east coast. In my position I come across many people with conflicts at home and work, and consequently I often hear how much insomnia is affecting their lives. After reading your book, I plan to recommend it to these individuals as well... I really appreciate all your contributions to the issue of insomnia...We all know sleep is an essential part of our being and you sharing your wisdom really gives many of us hope that this potentially disabling problem can be overcome... Insomniac, East Coast

8/08/00 Hi there John, I was a severe chronic insomniac for years until I read your book - and it works - what a miracle and a lifesaver!! Thank you so much for publishing your story and suggestions. It is so sad to read the discussion forum and all the needless suffering that is going on out there - if people only had the knowledge and even more importantly, the discipline, their sleep would return. It must make you feel just sick to see how many are still turning to drugs to help them out and knowing it is the biggest mistake they can make. There is a cure, but it resides in themselves, not in drugs. Isn't there any way to spready the news a bit better to these people and help them to end their suffering? I am already helping other insomniacs here to turn to this program. Kelly Lam, Hong Kong

7/03/00 Dear John, I am at work writing to you on my office computer, because I couldn't wait to get home and write you. I called you 8 days ago on a Sundayafternoon, after finding you on the Internet. I was desperate and discouraged when I talked to you, I have tried everything to sleep, and nothing has helped me (including Ambien, yoga, Aromatherapy, etc.)...but your book has given me 5 nights of deep sleep. I read the email version, and so I started getting up earlier and going to bed later, cutting out occasional nicotine and the odd glass or two of wine, and VOILA! Sleep! I have been a severe insomniac for 9 years and only getting about 3-4 hours of sleep only for the last few years - and often, not even that. I was so tired and run down all the time. I just can't believe what is happening. I feel so much energy and so much better, and my husband is thrilled. He hated seeing me suffer. He says I sleep like a log! I am so excited about this, I am telling everyone and emailing people I know with insomnia to BUY YOUR BOOK. It is totally amazing to me that it works. I was not expecting these results. Thank you, thank you, thank you, dear man, for sharing this discovery. You should make a million dollars from it! You deserve it! Sincerely, Jerilyn (Northern California)

5/14/00 ...It's the first time in years since I've gone to sleep, awakened to fall back to sleep and felt rested without one of the many prescription drugs I've taken in the past...Many thanks to John. He took a risk exposing his writing to the public and I am one of many who is thankful. Deana, Redding, CA

5/11/00 ...Its also important to read your own personal touches... poetry in motion, if I may, without getting too flowery ... I look forward to the continued support you've given me and to your web page. Thanks for helping me take the first step. Sincerely, Mike from Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

4/22/00 Just to touch base with you regarding our messages back in January about my insomnia. I finished your great book, my company has left and I seem to be doing quite well. By that I mean going to bed at the same time and falling asleep within a short while. Sometimes I read and even the book falls on the floor which is a good sign as I'm too sleepy to even read! I awake about the same time and am getting between 6-7 hrs. sleep which is great for me!...Tips in your book were great and I thank you for this info. It really paid off! Regards, Shirley, Arizona Have a great summer!

3/18/00 Hi John, I started my program last Tuesday (3/14) after reading your book and all I can say is WOW! IT WORKS!! For years and years I have had trouble staying asleep and have of course tried everything to get myself to sleep through the night. I can't tell you how important I think the sleep diary is, it hasn't even been a week and already I can see a strong connection between how I deal with daytime stress and how restful my sleep is at night.... Thanks for your GREAT book! Jill-Wisconsin

1/23/00 Dear John:  I received your book in June. I first started reading it and felt some anxiety (because some of the people were worse than me and that scared me to death). I have finally gotten over that and have incorporated much of your advise. It has been a wonderful support system for me. If I'm having a bad night, I can read that book and realize I'm not alone. I think the hardest thing for me is the fear of not sleeping. If I didn't have this fear of it, I think I would be a great sleeper. Thank you for having the courage to write this book. It's bound to have helped a lot of people. I love your sense of humor. Anything that can make me laugh at this problem is good. - Debbie Papageorge, Houston, TX

1/22/00 John, I really want to thank you for all your support through email and your book. I am now going to bed at 11:00 or 11:30 and sleeping until 7:00 with no problems. It is taking me about 10 minutes to fall asleep and I stay asleep all night. I rarely wake but if I do, I always go back to sleep. Getting off the Ambien was the hardest part. I haven't taken any Ambien for 6 days and I feel great! I am not saying that I am cured by any means but I am definitely on the road to recovery. Thanks so much for all you have done. I wish you much luck with your book.
Thanks, Rachel

1/12/00 Dear John, thank you very much for sending me the book. I have already read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been doing what you say to do in the book and so far it has worked for me. I am going to bed later than I was going to bed before and I get up the same time every a.m. I work full time in an office that isn't very flexible so I have to get up at the same time every a.m. I drink a warm milk and I also have a hot bath every night and I go to sleep listening to a relaxation tape...
I think you might have saved my life. I have had insomnia for two months now and was getting so anxious and depressed. I have also joined the gym where I work and I think that is also helping me. I have fibromyalgia so right off the bat I am bound to have sleeping difficulties. Fibromyalgia patients do not go into a deep sleep and are known to always be tired. Right now I am really tired but I am going to try and fight it and go to bed when I am really tired like you say to in the book.  hanks again for writing a wonderful book!  Laura MacAloney, Toronto, ON

11/28/99 "This is a very interesting and engaging book about the trails and tribulations of problem sleepers. In addition to being an entertaining read, it supplies a firsthand account of dealing with insomnia along with essential information from sleep researchers and insomniacs. This alone makes this book one of the best ever written about insomnia (and I've read quite a few). I believe what makes this book special and more useful than other books is that John Weidman has identified the key discovery to falling asleep and staying asleep without use of drugs. Although I was skeptical about any "cure" for insomnia, this book has allowed me to overcome my 20 plus years of insomnia. I am so grateful John has written this book...  
Buying this book was perhaps the best investment I have ever made. I would gladly have paid hundreds or even thousands of dollars to cure my insomnia. I recommend this book to anyone suffering from insomnia." Dan Meier, Sacramento, California

9/28/99 " I was the lady, from New York, that spoke to you one week ago about your fantastic book.
In "Desperately Seeking Snoozin," with common sense and clarity, you present a workable solution to "cure" a person's insomnia. "The Solution" correctly relies on behavior modification and lifestyle management to treat this very distressing problem.
In "Desperately Seeking Snoozin" you discuss the very negative aspects that accompany the use of sleeping pills. So many of us insomniacs rely on these drugs without truly thinking about the long-term consequences. However, you give excellent examples of how relying on these drugs, for sleep, only further disrupts an insomniac's life. You made a very good point in your book when you stated that so many of us insomniacs take sleeping pills and still do not get to sleep...
I particularly liked the fact that you present "a cure" that does not rely on sleeping pills...
fter reading "The Solution," I thought to myself . . . this seems so simple. I even tried to "punch holes" in your "cure." However, I came up empty handed! "The Solution" targets the problem areas that cause us insomniacs to be up late at night.
     Your book was filled with humor. However, it does not, at any time, make light of the issue of insomnia. You have given hope to many desperate people! Thanks for producing such a great product.

8/17/99  "Dear John:  Just wanted to thank you again. Your book has been wonderful for me. By the end of the first full week using it, I was sleeping five to six hours a night. Last week, I slept through the night several times, and generally got about seven hours of sleep a night (about right for me). The last couple of nights I awoke several times... and it seems to be because my sleep hygiene was poor. (I stayed up writing letters that "worked me up" too close to bedtime, instead of turning the lights low, stretching out, and relaxing. I also overslept -- accidentally! -- on Sunday. The batteries in my alarm clock ran out about 20 minutes before my wake-up time.)..
What really works for me:
* Turning the lights low 30-60 minutes before I want to go to sleep.
* Using a timer on the TV, which has always helped me to drift off.
* Stretching out and "relaxing" even if I think I'm not sleepy. Sleep usually follows shortly, sometimes within minutes.
* When I wake up during the night, *not* getting up right away, but just lying there, "relaxing" comfortably with my eyes closed, occasionally with the TV set to run about an hour. I often find that I fall asleep again within minutes, even though I sometimes think I will be up for good...
Anyway, THANK YOU for a wonderful program, which has given me hope and sanity again!
All the best"  Marion, NYC

8/13/99 "A few weeks ago, while you were on a Wisconsin Public Radio program, I had the great fortune of calling in, and talking to you about my husband's snoring, and lack of feeling rested.
He went to the sleep clinic at the Marshfield Clinic a few weeks ago, and learned that he suffers from Apnea, as you suggested. Now he has been fitted with a bi-pap machine, a full face mask, and he is making a valiant attempt at adjusting to it.
I bought and read your book, and found it fascinating. Thank you so much for your suggestion for the sleep clinic! Peggy Bornhoeft, Stevens Point, WI

8/9/99 "Just wanted to send you a note to let you know how helpful your book has been to me. I have suffered periodic bouts of conditioned insomnia for the last 10 years. Your book helps to put things into perspective... I'm very impressed with all of your hard work on the book. I've never gotten so much helpful, tried and true, information from a book. Kudos to you for sticking out the long, tired, sleepless 10 years."Ruth Ann Smith, Richmond, VA

8/6/99 "...Anyway, the bedtime rituals are good, I'm not napping... I already observed before starting the program that going out in the evening (with friends, or even by myself, to a movie) really improves the quality of my sleep...The book is clear and well-written, and your offering it over the Internet is a real boon to us insomniacs! Thanks again" Marion, NYC

7/29 "I think this might be working. Going to bed at 1:30 this week and getting up at 7:30. Not bad. Going off that awful xanax has just made me feel better---after the withdrawal anyway. If I'm ever in drug rehab, it's all my Dr .'s fault. I feel blessed to have found an answer." Insomniac

7/28 "...when I do everything you talk about in your book, I can get much more sleep than I am used to--seven hours most night, with no anti depressant hangover. thank you,...Thank you SO much for your support.... I love your work so much... i loved your book. I think you're a wonderful writer, by the way."-Annie Lamott (Author of "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith" and "Bird by Bird: Some Thoughts on Writing")

7/28 "Hello. I have been following your book... The last two nights. I slept much better. I slept about 7 hours. I only remember waking up twice. I slept much more soundly. I still feel tired but I do feel much better then I have in along time...I just wanted to say THANK YOU! This is the first ray of hope when it comes to my sleeping problems I have had in a long time. I feel like I can not put into words how thankful I really am that I stumbled across your website on one of my sleepless nights. I am also so thankful that you have taken the time to help me. You are a very special person."-Monica Hoblin, Yonkers

7/13/99 "What an encouraging thing you've done here... Your common sense approach is something sorely needed in the world of sleep disorders. My God, how atrocious and terrible it is to self medicate with various herbals or sleeping pills, which, undoubtedly can help the occasional restless night, but not something that is cyclic."-John, Pekin, IL

7/16/99 "I'm on the road to cure! Your book has been infinitely helpful.... Began to follow your recommended regimen of late to bed and early to rise regardless of the problem and it was not long before the problem ameliorated... Thanks again John and accept appreciation from a recovering insomniac!" Peter Bonventre, University of Cincinnati

7/8/99 "I can't believe it!! Thank you so very much!! I know I can cure in insomnia now. I've had insomnia for about 15 years, but very bad for the last four years. I really has been destroying my life. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!
When I see my doctor at the end of the month, I'm giving her back the antidepressants (remeron) and the brochure for your book!!
I am so glad I found your web site and ordered your book.

8/14/99 (Same author) I gave my doctor the flier in your book. She bought your book, loved it, recommends to her patients, and is promoting it within the medical community. She also has problems with insomnia and is doing much better thanks to your program.
It's been a little over a month since I took your "cure" and am still with the program. My sleep has improved tremendously and I am off medication.... Thank you again for your wonderful book."
Denise, Redding, CA

6/24/99 "I hope that you do not mind the length of this email. It's just that I now know that I can succeed in overcoming my insomnia and that hey, it's okay to have a bad night every now and again. I see a definite improvement in my sleeping, and as a result, I am markedly more productive/functional in my daily life. Back at the end of April and the beginning of May, when I hadn't slept more than an hour per night for 3-4 weeks, I was beginning to wonder if this was as good as it got. Anyway, your book provided me with the best advice I have received in dealing with my insomnia...my psychologist and my medical doctor provided very little advice."
Richard Dondes East Brunswick, NJ 

5/10/99 Now I am writing you to say, ‘Thank you.’ Your book is the first healthy thing I have ever done to undo this affliction.... Slept from 1:30 until 6 after the previous night of 8 hours. Felt great today. I can't tell you how good I feel that this has been done drug free...God bless. I am sleeping like a baby. Told my husband today that I feel 20 years younger. He better watch out!"-Virginia L. Biasotto, Chairman/person of the board of Reading ASSIST Institute, Wilmington, DE.

4/10/99  John, 
     "You asked for feedback on 'Snoozin' so here it is: It works, it works, it works! Thank you for a genius of a book! The part that was most effective for me, and made the rest of the book work was that I had to 'look in the mirror' and realize that I was the one responsible for my problem; initially this was hard to accept but very true. From there it was no problem following all of the advice. Also, agreed that the bedroom should be used for two things only (and one of them is not to learn a foreign language-unless of course the instructor is there too :)))
     This book did for me what I thought was impossible, and in 4 days. Thank you!" Betsy, Insomniac, Shardon, OH

3/31/99 "Hi. I guess I am just one more person to add to the good feedback list.
     I have been suffering from extreme insomnia for the last 3 years or so. For the last two years, I have been taking Ambien in order to get to sleep, but as we all seem to know at this point, that stopped working. The last few months have been particularly bad, Last month I was averaging three hours of sleep per night -- if even that much.....
     The thing that attracted me about this book, was the tone of it. Rather than a list of things I should do from a medical perspective, I appreciated the "tough coach" tone of your book. I had been to a sleep clinic several times, but I was unsuccesful in following the steps perscribed to modify my sleep behavior. Something about the fact that I felt the author understood what I was going through lent legitimacy to it in my mind. The stern advice kept me going.
     As of now, I have not taken any sleep medication at all for over a week, AND I have gone 3 or 4 days in a row with 7 hours sleep!!!! There have been a few not so great nights, but it's a far cry from what it was just two weeks ago."-A.W., Insomniac NYC

5/22/98 "Just finished the book. I really enjoyed it. I think it could be a bestseller for you among the sleep disorder community. It is easy to read. That is important. Most people do not like to read something that sounds too technical or uses too many words that are not understandable. I have put into practice most of your suggestions. Last night, I slept all night without waking. That was a first time in months. I won't go so far as to say I am cured. But I do think I am well on my way to being Of particular interest to me was that none of your suggestions were expensive ones. Sleep clinics, etc. can be out of this world. I am not sure they are always necessary. A lot of times the simplest suggestions are the best. Most of yours fall into that category. Thanks for the book. I plan to keep doing what you have suggested. Maybe if I do I will be cured. However, If I should backslide, I plan to reread the book and remind myself of what I need to do to get out of my slump. I will try to keep you posted as to my progress. Then you can say that it has been tested and worked. Good luck in your efforts to publish."--Insomniac-Oklahoma

9/20/98 Update from the Insomniac in Oklahoma just above....."The card was just a means of letting you know that I am still having continuing success. I only had one episode of insomnia through the summer. I was afraid that once I started back to work (teaching school) I may revert to my insomniac behavior. However, School has been going on for a month and I have enjoyed a full six to eight hours of sleep every night.--Same Insomniac-Oklahoma

11/07/98  "I just finished reading your book at 6:00am this morning. What an educational & entertaining read it was. You're quite the character. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. I loved it! I sure could relate to alot of your experiences. I saw a lot of me in there & that had me nodding & laughing out loud. I think I might have even woken up my roommate. I can't wait until tonight to put to practice the cure you recommend & swear by. I think this is a first that I've actually been looking forward to go to bed. Your cure is so simple & the bonus is without the usuage of any drugs. Like you I've always tried to avoid them. I see now that many of the bad behavioral habits you point out in the book contributed to my insomnia. I'm determined to modify all my bad habits now & to finally break free from this vicious sleep cycle. I've been a chronic & conditioned insomniac for as long as I can remember....Your sleep biography has helped me identify certain key events in my life that would explain the really bad times with insomnia. College when I'd pull numerous allnighters in a row while studying for a big test & attending the classes; my move away from home to work in Tokyo & the irregular hours I work now. Many a night because of the time difference I was on the phone & computer. Waking up early on some days, napping when I could & sleeping in late (or just crashing) on others trying to catch up on lost sleep... when I could get to sleep. I know sleep is so important so my thinking was since I can't sleep at night (no wonder with these bad habits) better to get some sleep whenever & however I can. My family dubbed me "Dracula" because I was up at night, asleep in the days. I lived off my adrenaline. If I had an early appointment then for me to stay awake was easier than try to wake up after a restless night of sleep...

"Good morning John, Dang! Do I feel good. The hot bath & the relaxation exercises/music worked wonders. I went to bed at 1:15am & I've never been able to do that before. I woke up a few times but was able to get back to sleep. I finally got up at 5:00am without & before my alarms went off. I have 5. I know this will take some time to beat but so far so good. The best thing about it is I feel so rested."--Anonymous, Tokyo, Japan (both of the posts above)

3/8/98 "...... As for your book.....Wonderful! I really enjoyed reading it. You're personal style and insight is very entertaining and informative. You present your ideas in a natural, sincere style that I find refreshing. I can certainly relate to your experiences, and this makes your book especially enjoyable, as opposed to some doctor writing about a topic with no real firsthand knowledge.  You've covered just about all the bases in your search for an answer, and I'm sure anyone else with similar problems will appreciate the benefit of your experience. There are so many things that can contribute to sleep problems, and I think your coverage of all the things you looked at can be quite helpful to someone starting to look for his own answers to his individual situation....... Your recommendations for a sleep journal are excellent. This is essential for anyone to get a handle on what's going on. I think in the book you should stress this even more, and present it as REQUIRED. A lot of what we deal with can only be spotted by looking at longer term trends and there is nobody that can remember all the details. A journal chronicling daily events, diet, schedules, etc. is absolutely necessary.......Overall Great Work! I wish you the best of luck in pursuing this project...and I look forward to buying a first edition!...." --Insomniac-Pennsylvania

2/28/98  "Just finished the book. It was great...This was well written, funny, compassionate, and uncluttered... Your advice, although I've encountered it before, is certainly based on good research. I've tried much of it at one time or another, with varying results, but I lacked the discipline to do it right, as you have done... But you have inspired me to give it another try! And I am very excited. (So excited, I won't fall asleep tonight.)" --Insomniac-California

9/25/98 "From the first contact I had with your book, I can say I am seduced by its humour, simplicity, modesty and maybe most important its humanity. Your idea of writing about your experience in order to share it with others and bringing this adventure to a happy end is also something I find exciting."--Belgium

10/12/98 "After reading your book I realised (sp) that I had slipped into the habit of taking a nap after a bad nights sleep. That just made it harder to sleep the next night. I have started using some of the suggestions in your book and already am seeing an improvement. After all the years of not getting enough sleep I had started thinking that this was as good as it gets. That you were suppose to feel like a sombia (sp) all day. I'm sure if I stick with the book it will only get better."--Insomniac-Mississippi

2/07/98  "John, it's great to speak to someone who can relate to my disorder, I've tried everything in the book that you can think of from medications to locking myself in the bedroom...your book is great, it's teaching me a lot." --Insomniac-California

2/8/98  "I appreciate very much that you have taken so much time to write this book. In particular, you shared your own experience with your readers. I found a lot of similarities between yours and my problems and it really encourage(s) me to believe that there is a cure to my sleeping problems."--Insomniac-CA

"Very interesting to read "firsthand" almost diary account of fellow insomniac's experience. I can identify with a few areas but not the sleeping pills. I've always very much resisted taking drugs and, after your experience, I'm very glad I did stay away." --J. Ross, Australia

3/08/98  "I have done extensive work on developing a plan. Out of five nights, I have had two nights where I slept but awoke every hour on the hour, but still felt more rested than I had for a long time. Another night I slept through from 1:30 until 7, which was my wake up time. Last night I abandoned most of my program and as you can imagine, I needed a sleeping pill to get to sleep. So it was a short lesson in discipline, and I am back on track." --Insomniac-British Columbia

5/22/98  "...I have read your book several times and want to keep reading it to get it firmly implanted in my 63 year old head. I can tell you the book is GREAT...I have not taken myself off the 50 mgs of Trazadone yet, but hope to get up the nerve to do so soon. You have a great sense of humor and I can relate to much of what you say." --Insomniac-Washington

"I have just finished reading your manuscript, and I must say I am impressed, overwhelmed, inspired, envious, and outright awed by your product. As is inescapable for an author, you have bared your heart and soul to your reader, an incredibly unselfish (and frightening) act...What you have done is offered all of us a blueprint for a plan to overcome any behavioral problem we may have...I know the Lord sent me your manuscript for a reason. Isn't it amazing how He uses each one of us?!" --Anonymous

2/13/98  "As I read your story I laughed, sympathized, and nodded my head in places (...been there, done that...) ...For me the most powerful aspect of your story is the sense of hope it gives to a fellow insomniac." --Insomniac

"Most insomniacs can list the suspects: stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, etc. Few acknowledge the more common problem: a series of lifestyle choices that frustrate natural biorhythms. Desperately Seeking Snoozin' ties it all together, providing the insight and common sense tools to build sleep-promoting behavior and fight the bad habits that keep most people awake." --Dr. William H. West, Chairman of the Board, Response Oncology. Formerly Senior Researcher at the National Cancer Institute.

"Overall, I thought it was very good. You mentioned near the end, the importance of having support. Your book (Desperately Seeking Snoozin') provides a pseudo support group to insomnia sufferers...I would recommend your book to clients/patients etc. for this reason." --Julia Thomas, Insomnia Clinic of the Methodist Hospital Sleep Disorders Center run by a University of Memphis student with Dr. Kenneth Lichstein as the supervising Clinical Psychologist.

"A heartwarming book that brings hope to chronic insomnia sufferers. John Wiedman shares the pain and triumph of his own personal story. I highly recommend it."--Mary I. O'Sullivan, President, Quanta Dynamics, Inc.

"This is a prototype for the modern self-help book...I can't wait to prescribe it for my patients - young and old." --Steven N. Rice, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Tennessee.

Jodi Judson (jmjudson@bellsouth.net from Nashville, Tennessee , November 11, 1998 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent, informative, a MUST for insomniacs...
Being an insomnia sufferer myself, I was very interested in reading this book. John Weidman has put together a common-sense program that truly works. After many years of suffering from insomnia, of taking medications to put myself to sleep and trying every "cure" known to man, I read this book and what the author had to say made so much sense to me. I put the principles to work and I now am able to get to sleep without medications or any other "cures". I highly recommend this book for anybody that suffers from insomnia, as it is written in a way that all can relate to and easily follow.

Reco84@aol.com from Lansing,MI , October 23, 1998 : 5 out of 5 stars
I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with insomnia
"Desperately Seeking Snoozin" is a book that depicts the experience of insomnia and the road to recovery. It is filled with accurate analysis and treatments of the many possible constituents that can contribute to the origin of insomnia. The author gives an authentic portrayal of his experience of insomnia and the approach he takes to cure this most toublesome disorder. The reader can feel the author's passion as he provides a comprehensive review of the many causes and treatment approaches to insomnia. He also has a way of conveying to the reader the importance of maintaining an intense dedication to adhering with his treatment program. He uses humor, self revealing stories, current professional sources and accounts from other people suffering from insomnia to convey the importance of identifying the contributing factors. He accurately reminds the reader that these contributing factors may be different for each individual sleep problem, and helps the reader to discover for themselves what works and what doesn't. Mr. Wiedman shows how important it is for the person who has insomnia to continually monitor the treatment approach and ongoing sleep habits. It is clear that Mr. Wiedman has put a lot of work and research into this subject. I believe that anyone suffering from insomnia can be helped by reading this book. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with insomnia. Richard G. Copen, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist Clinical Director, Insomnia Clinic Sparrow Sleep Center, Lansing, MI

hoosierten@aol.com Dr. S. R. Crunk from Memphis, Tn. , October 5, 1998  5 out of 5 stars
an outstanding book to help cure insomnia.
This book presents a simple,common sense approach to aid in the cure of insomnia. As an avid reader, I know that good books are hard to put down. This book was hard to put down! I, in fact, read it in one day. I purchased copies for those close to me that suffer various degrees of insomnia. It's comforting to know there is a book available that presents a no-nonsense, drug-free,alcohol-free, simple regimen for the treatment of insomnia. Should be on every household bookshelf.

8/11 Review by Florence Cardinal for Borders.com from about.com

Title: Desperately Seeking Snoozin':The Insomnia Cure from Awake to Zzzz
Author: Wiedman, John
Publisher: Trade Paperback: Towering Pine Press
List Price: $14.95
ISBN#: 0966418956

"Desperately Seeking Snoozin'" starts out with a warning: "Please be advised that reading the following can and will be extremely habit forming, resulting in nightly recurrences of extreme drowsiness followed by a state of suspended consciousness, better known as sleep."

Wiedman admits right up front that he is not a doctor. But he does know insomnia, has a close, personal relationship with it, in fact. Wiedman says he is a "professional insomniac" based on his years of on-the-job-training.

Wiedman also states that he is not a writer. This is not true. He writes with skill, compassion and humor. I would recommend "Desperately Seeking Snoozin'" to anyone who suffers from insomnia.

The author, frustrated and literally "tired of" his night after night of wakefulness, decided to devise a plan to end his insomnia. He discovered that much of his trouble could be blamed

on poor sleep habits, many of them of long duration. The plan worked so well for him that he wanted to share it with other people who suffered from insomnia. And that's how this book came about.

The first third of the book recounts the years of struggle Wiedman had with insomnia, and his discovery that he might have other disorders, including an eating disorder. He recounts his experience with sleep clinics and with prescription and over-the-counter medication. It relates his frustration with the entire process, and how a lack of proper rest led to his eventual irritability and depression.

In the second section of the book the author delves into he came up with a plan that works. He then leads the reader through it step by step. He encourages insomniacs to follow the same steps in the same order as he did. He emphasizes that every step is important, and missing some, or trying to follow them in the wrong order will probably lead to failure of the plan. There's nothing complicated or costly about these steps. Anyone can understand and follow them. They consist almost entirely of lifestyle changes and keeping track of progress.

In the last section of the book, Wiedman talks about his results at seven, ten, fourteen and eighteen weeks. He then recaps with a four-page summary of the information in the book. He also includes feedback he received from friends, insomniacs and doctors who read the finished manuscript.

Throughout the book John has included postings from Internet Insomnia forums, from people who were also suffering from insomnia. The similarity of the symptoms illustrates that insomnia is a very real, very debilitating and pervasive disorder that attacks people from all walks of life.

The Appendix gives samples of John's worksheets and his daily log that other insomniacs can copy and use. There's also a comprehensive section called the Internet Resource Guide where the reader can seek further information and support.

In his afterword, John Wiedman tells insomniacs that they no longer need to feel helpless. He sums it up: "You now need to put your heart and soul into changing your sleep habits. Now is the time. . . to discover you have what it takes."

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March, 1999 A2Zzz Newletter from the APT- Association of Polysomnographic Technologists

BOOK REVIEW

" Desperately Seeking Snoozin' " by John Wiedman

Once in a while, a literary work comes along that addresses some very real medical needs in a way that ranges from amusing to profound. In addition, the author has deep personal involvement, which adds intensity and credibility. The book I speak of is Desperately Seeking Snoozin' by John Wiedman, an insomniac who has found some answers to his problems. Wiedman is a lay person who has acquired insight into an area of sleep medicine that has languished on the clinical back burner for far too long. The relatively scarce numbers of effective treatment programs for insomnia (even, of all places, in long-standing and accredited Sleep Disorders Centers) ought to make us all feel a bit queasy. I think that it goes without saying that this area needs attention. That Wiedman has done this feat as well as he has is testimony to the fact that truth, regardless of the source, is nonetheless truth.

What could possibly make me want to immerse myself in a book penned by a person who could make me feel so vocationally undernourished? Initially, it was merely curiosity; thankfully, that changed. Once I gave up on trying to be the personified sleep encyclopedia, I found out a few things that I previously did not know or things that I had seriously under-appreciated.

Wiedman has compiled a brief but useful book that can easily be understood and used to address the very real needs and sufferings of the insomniac. That the sleep community has not done this first, in my opinion, is testimony to our over-attention to problems that are, by comparison, much easier to fix. It follows next that we need to graduate from clinical high school and move on to advanced studies. To do so, we will need to become familiar with many new things, such as effects of binge eating, artificial sweeteners, herbs, medicinal side effects, lifestyle modification, and relaxation techniques. The appendix contains over twenty pages of Internet web sites, which alone would be well worth the read time.

If you are of a mind to improve the base from which you deal with insomnia and insomniacs in your sleep center, I'd invite you to contact Wiedman and request a copy of his book You, and your patients, will almost certainly benefit from this book that is anything but a sleeper.  

Michael E. Adams, RPSGT

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