"You have to crack a few eggs to make an omelette." This commonly used expression is thought to have originated in the mid 1790s and probably refers to individuals who died during the French Revolution. In other words, the eggs in the saying represent those who lost their lives for the cause.

Treating individuals with sleep problems, while not as difficult as crossing the Alps, does pose many challenges. Individuals who have difficulties sleeping can be understandably very frustrated and weary of books, beds, pillows, and pills that promise salvation but rarely deliver. They have tried them all; none work.

I had many thoughts going into writing this book. Does the world need another sleep book? Am I the best person to write it? My mother was a 7th grade English teacher...we all remember our 7th grade English teacher...that's when English suddenly got really hard in school. Will my approach to my patients translate well into a book?

I have no idea about the answer to these questions. Time will tell. I did come to the conclusion that if my book did not challenge and maybe even upset a few readers, it may not have been successful in its quest to help people sleep better.

There is a population of sleep patients out there who are desperate for sleep help but strangely do not really want it. In my dealings with elite athletes, I encounter many nutritionists who describe similar experiences; a client who desperate wants to lose weight or "get ripped" but really does not want to hear exactly what that entails. In many ways, it's a lot easier to say, "I've tried those things, but they don't work for me. Are you going to finish those fries?"

I hope this book is challenging. While I'm not interested in upsetting people, I expect it might. I'm bracing for the, "I've read this book cover to cover and I still can't sleep. Don't waste your money...nothing helpful here. Wow this guy is irritating" review. My hope is that like many of my patients, that initial negative response is just the sound of the eggshell being cracked with a beautiful mushroom and spinach egg white omelette to come.