by Miranda Levy

Aster (part of Octopus Publishing Group) has acquired The Insomnia Diaries: How I Learned to Sleep Again by journalist Miranda Levy.  Stephanie Jackson, Octopus Books publishing director, acquired UK Commonwealth excluding Canada from Charlotte Seymour at Andrew Nurnberg Associates.

After a single, catastrophic event, journalist Miranda Levy had one sleepless night, then another, and then another. She sought help from anyone she could: doctors, an acupuncturist, a reiki practitioner, a hypnotist, a therapist, a personal trainer – but nothing seemed to work.

Sleep, wellbeing and mental health are intrinsically linked. Yet sleeplessness is surprisingly common: 16 million of us suffer from insomnia, and the sleep industry is worth £100 billion (Daily Mail). Insomnia affects about a third
of adults at least once a week (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Lack of sleep costs the UK economy £40 billion each year (Rand Corporation). And rates of sleep disturbance have skyrocketed during the pandemic – with worry-related sleep loss rising by 34% overall, and more than doubling in some groups (Public Health England – Every Mind Matters).

In The Insomnia Diaries, Miranda Levy tells the story of her experience of severe, crippling insomnia that affected every aspect of her life for years, and how she ultimately recovered. Part memoir, part reportage, this book will help anyone who struggles to get a good night’s sleep – whether occasionally or all of the time – appreciate the issues and understand the options as they find their best way to get the rest they need.

Dr Sophie Bostock, scientist, sleep expert and member of the team who developed the award winning digital programme Sleepio, contributes a foreword. She and a host of expert contributors have advised on the medical  elements within the text throughout.

Miranda Levy commented; ‘Insomnia – or even a few nights’ missed sleep – can be incredibly debilitating. It’s also the loneliest condition one can imagine. I hope this book can be of solace and support when it’s just you, at 3.52, and only the numbers on your alarm clock for company.’