Why We Sleep, Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker

Posted on January 23, 2018 by J-LBRBSBLOGS

THE TOP TEN SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
TLS, OBSERVER, SUNDAY TIMES, FT, GUARDIAN, DAILY MAIL AND EVENING STANDARD BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2017

Now out in Paperback

Book Blurb

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our life, health and longevity and yet it is increasingly neglected in twenty-first-century society, with devastating consequences: every major disease in the developed world – Alzheimer’s, cancer, obesity, diabetes – has very strong causal links to deficient sleep.

Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why its absence is so damaging to our health. Compared to the other basic drives in life – eating, drinking, and reproducing – the purpose of sleep remained elusive.

Now, in this book, the first of its kind written by a scientific expert, Professor Matthew Walker explores twenty years of cutting-edge research to solve the mystery of why sleep matters. Looking at creatures from across the animal kingdom as well as major human studies, Why We Sleep delves in to everything from what really happens during REM sleep to how caffeine and alcohol affect sleep and why our sleep patterns change across a lifetime, transforming our appreciation of the extraordinary phenomenon that safeguards our existence.

My Thoughts

Fascinating and well worth taking the time to read about how important sleep is to be a healthy being. It is an excellent measure of where you are with regards to understanding how Sleep affects your body and mind, why bringing sleep back into your health regime should be a major priority and, basically, are you getting enough sleep? If not then adjust your life to make it so.

Employers: take heed – don’t infringe on workers free time, give them time to unwind and sleep – your workers will be healthier, your business will be the better.

Makes you wonder about those who work in areas where they can be up for long periods with no sleep – medical professionals, armed forces, etc. – especially around decision-making!

Read how sleep relates to Alzheimer’s, cancer, general good health.

Yes, this does get a bit ‘technical’ but Matthew Walker does explain and gives some great, although occasionally not very nice, examples to help the reader to understand. In the end the message is pretty simple and one well worth taking on board.

So read the book and for a healthier life make time for sleep.

With thanks to the publisher, Penguin, via NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5/4

Information

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/295665/why-we-sleep/

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Penguin (4 Jan. 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0141983760
ISBN-13: 978-0141983769

http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Why-We-Sleep/Matthew-Walker/9781501144318

https://www.waterstones.com/book/why-we-sleep/matthew-walker/9780141983769

#WHYWESLEEP

‘Vital … a life-raft’ Guardian ‘

‘A top sleep scientist argues that sleep is more important for our health than diet or exercise’ The Times

‘It had a powerful effect on me’ Observer