Aster acquires insomnia memoir by journalist 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 and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Charlotte Seymour at Andrew Nurnberg Associates. Publication is scheduled for 3rd June 2021. 

After a single, catastrophic event, 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.

Described as part memoir, part reportage, The Insomnia Diaries will tell the story of Levy's experience of "severe, crippling" insomnia that affected every aspect of her life for years, and how she ultimately recovered. It will aim to help anyone who struggles to sleep—whether it's occasionally or all of the time—by helping readers to find the best way to get the rest they need, says the publisher. 

Dr Sophie Bostock, a scientist, sleep expert and a member of the team who developed the digital programme Sleepio, has written a foreword. Bostock has also advised on the medical elements throughout, alongside other experts. 

Jackson commented: "Who among us—especially these days—hasn’t encountered a sleepless night or two? Add the daily grind, parenthood (perhaps) or the challenges of midlife, and the notion of refreshing nights of deep sleep on the regular might feel out of reach. What Miranda Levy’s extraordinary story shows us is the extremes it’s possible to reach, the potential impact on every aspect of life, and why it’s incredibly important to seek help when normal function is interrupted. Shocking, yet warm, relatable and optimistic, The Insomnia Diaries will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to sleep."

Levy said: "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 a.m., and only the numbers on your alarm clock for company."

Levy is a journalist and has previously published The Rough Guide to Babies (Rough Guides, 2006).