“Why We Sleep is an important and fascinating book…Walker taught me a lot about this basic activity that every person on Earth needs. I suspect his book will do the same for you.” —Bill Gates A New York Times bestseller and international sensation, this “stimulating and important book” (Financial Times) is a fascinating dive into the purpose and power of slumber.With two appearances on
CBS This Morning and
Fresh Air's most popular interview of 2017, Matthew Walker has made abundantly clear that sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when it is absent. Compared to the other basic drives in life—eating, drinking, and reproducing—the purpose of sleep remains more elusive. Within the brain, sleep enriches a diversity of functions, including our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions. It recalibrates our emotions, restocks our immune system, fine-tunes our metabolism, and regulates our appetite. Dreaming creates a virtual reality space in which the brain melds past and present knowledge, inspiring creativity. In this “compelling and utterly convincing” (
The Sunday Times) book, preeminent neuroscientist and sleep expert Matthew Walker provides a revolutionary exploration of sleep, examining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Charting the most cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and marshalling his decades of research and clinical practice, Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood and energy levels, regulate hormones, prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, slow the effects of aging, and increase longevity. He also provides actionable steps towards getting a better night’s sleep every night. Clear-eyed, fascinating, and accessible,
Why We Sleep is a crucial and illuminating book. Written with the precision of Atul Gawande, Andrew Solomon, and Sherwin Nuland, it is “recommended for night-table reading in the most pragmatic sense” (
The New York Times Book Review).
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
In the fast-paced world of today, it's easy to overlook the importance of sleep. Many of us push ourselves to the limits, sacrificing rest in pursuit of productivity. But what if we told you that sleep is not just a luxury, but a biological necessity with profound implications for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being?
In his groundbreaking book, "Why We Sleep," renowned sleep scientist Matthew Walker delves deep into the science of sleep, revealing the extraordinary benefits of a good night's rest and the devastating consequences of sleep deprivation. Through a captivating blend of personal anecdotes, cutting-edge research, and engaging storytelling, Walker unveils the power of sleep to:
- Sharpen our cognitive abilities, enhancing memory, attention, and creativity.
- Boost our mood, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety and depression.
- Strengthen our immune system, protect against chronic diseases, and promote longevity.
- Enhance athletic performance and recovery, enabling us to push our physical limits.
Walker also explores the fascinating world of dreams, unraveling their significance in processing emotions, consolidating memories, and fostering creativity. He challenges the misconception that dreams are merely random electrical signals, demonstrating their role in problem-solving, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
With its compelling narrative and wealth of scientific evidence, "Why We Sleep" is a must-read for anyone seeking to optimize their sleep and unlock the transformative power of a well-rested mind. Walker's passion for sleep research and his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language make this book an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of sleep on our lives.
