Funke Afolabi-Brown—Beyond Tired: A Sleep Physician's Guide to Solving Your Child’s Sleep Problems for Good

Advance copy: Backstories on books by NASW members

Beyond Tired

BEYOND TIRED. A SLEEP PHYSICIAN'S GUIDE TO SOLVING YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP PROBLEMS FOR GOOD
Funke Afolabi-Brown
Self-published, October 8, 2024
Hardback, $22.99, Paperback, $17.99, eBook, $9:99
Hardback ISBN-13: 979-8340336088
Paperback ISBN-13: 979-8339489757
EBook ASIN: B0DHSS8RS6

Afolabi-Brown reports:

Beyond Tired was born from my personal and professional expertise. Prior to my training as a sleep specialist, I was a sleep-deprived mom and physician who struggled with sleep issues in my infant. These experiences sparked the idea for a book that bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and practical parenting.

My target audience was sleep-deprived parents at a loss for how to improve their child's sleep. I prepared a rough outline that blended my medical expertise, personal experience, and practical advice for families. I conducted extensive literature reviews and incorporated case studies from my clinical work. I spoke with parents to learn about their struggles and what has worked for them. I also spoke with several colleagues, including pediatricians and other sleep specialists, for more practical insights. I have written on many of the topics I included in my book on my blog.

Portrait photo of Funke Afolabi-Brown by Danelle Karson

Funke Afolabi-Brown
Photo by Danelle Karson

I covered various topics including the science of sleep and circadian rhythms, medical and behavioral sleep disorders, sleep in children with neurodiverse conditions, and sleep in dual households.

I decided to self-publish to get the book quickly into parents’ hands. It took about nine months from my decision to write the book to its publication. I utilized the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing platform which allows authors to upload their books and cover design and then publish the book.

I wish I had known the importance of setting realistic writing deadlines while balancing a busy medical practice and family life. If I could do it differently, I would allocate more time for the writing process and seek feedback from beta readers earlier.

For aspiring authors, my advice is threefold: Start with a clear vision of your book's unique contribution to the field. Develop a consistent writing routine, even if it's just 30 minutes a day. Don't underestimate the power of your personal story – it makes your book relatable and memorable.

Contact info:

Funke Afolabi-Brown, 215-607-8297, https://www.therestfulsleepplace.com/, https://www.therestfulsleepplace.com/blog
Instagram: @restfulsleepmd
Linkedin: Dr Funke Brown
Book: Beyond Tired. A Sleep Physician's Guide to Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems for Good

NASW members: will your book be published soon? Promote it by submitting your report for Advance Copy.

Tell your fellow NASW members how you came up with the idea for your book, developed a proposal, found an agent and publisher, funded and conducted research, and put the book together. Include what you wish you had known before you began working on your book, or had done differently.

See https://www.nasw.org/advance-copy-submission-guidelines.

View Advance Copy archives at https://www.nasw.org/member-article/advance-copy.

Thinking of writing a book? If you are a NASW member, you may access a list of more than 200 books and online resources to help you craft your book proposal, find an agent and funding sources, negotiate your contract, learn about self-publishing, publicize and market your book, and more at https://www.nasw.org/article/write-book.

View the recording of an Advance Copy Virtual Business Chat, A Primer for Authors on Book Publicity. NASW member login required.

View the recording of a Virtual Business Chat presented by NASW’s Freelance Committee and Advance Copy column Writing Wikipedia Profiles. NASW member login required.

View the recording of a recent Virtual Skills Chat presented by NASW’s Editing Committee How to Break into Editing. NASW member login required.

View the recording of a recent Virtual Skills Chat presented by NASW’s Freelance Committee Using Generative A.I. as Writers and Editors. NASW member login required.

Send book info and questions about book publishing to Lynne Lamberg, NASW book editor, llamberg@nasw.org.

Follow @LynneLamberg and @lynnelamberg.bsky.social for news about NASW authors, science/medical books, and writing.

Banner image adapted from original photo by Funke Afolabi-Brown.

NASW invites publishers and publicists to purchase NASW website ads to promote their authors and books via NASW’s self-service purchasing portal.

Advance Copy

The path from idea to book may take myriad routes. The Advance Copy column, started in 2000 by NASW volunteer book editor Lynne Lamberg, features NASW authors telling the stories behind their books. Authors are asked to report how they got their idea, honed it into a proposal, found an agent and a publisher, funded and conducted their research, and organized their writing process. They also are asked to share what they wish they’d known when they started or would do differently next time, and what advice they can offer aspiring authors. Lamberg edits the authors’ answers to produce the Advance Copy reports.

NASW members: Will your book be published soon? Visit www.nasw.org/advance-copy-submission-guidelines for information on submitting your report.

Publication of NASW author reports in Advance Copy does not constitute NASW's endorsement of any publication or the ideas, values, or material contained within or espoused by authors or their books. We hope this column stimulates productive discussions on important topics now and in the future as both science and societies progress. We welcome your discussion in the comments section below.