Source: Goodreads
Here’s my quick review of Why We Sleep, a huge bestseller written by Matthew Walker. It’s a fascinating exploration of the world of dreams, but also a wakeup call for our sleep-deprived society. The book is full of astonishing scientific data that’s too powerful to ignore.
About the book
In our hustle-oriented culture, sleeping in is almost a heresy. However, in this beautifully written book, Matthew Walker, an English scientist, and neuroscience professor turns this notion on its head. By sharing results from rigorous lab experiments, he proves that depriving yourself of sleep is one of the worst things you can do to your mind and body.
What did I think of the book?
At first, the tone of the book seemed a bit alarmist. Apparently, not getting enough sleep is responsible for nearly all human maladies since time immemorial. But as you dig deeper and understand the implications of the studies presented in the book, you can’t help but agree with the author. You’ll learn that one of the main reasons you can’t sleep at night is having melatonin-suppressing LED lights in your flat. Another thing is that even one glass of wine in the evening can prevent your body from reaching deeper phases of sleep. After reading this book, you’ll think twice before partying hard or pulling an all-nighter to finish your next project.
In the last chapter, you’ll find a “how-to” guide to good sleep which is quite helpful. Other than advising you to keep your brain engaged during the day and have an evening routine, the author gives you a couple more tips for boosting sleep quality. These include keeping the room completely dark, setting the bedroom temperature to 19 degrees Celsius, keeping a regular schedule to stabilize your circadian rhythms, and even taking a “sleep divorce” from your partner, if that’s what it takes to keep you healthy and alert.
How much is the book, and how can you buy it?
The paperback retails for £7.99. You can buy a copy here.
About the author
Matthew Walker is a Liverpudlian scientist and professor of neuroscience and psychology who currently teaches at the University of California, Berkeley. He was previously a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He published more than 100 scientific research studies and appeared in various TV and radio outlets.
About the book
Publisher: Scribner
ISBN: 1501144316
Size: 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
Pages: 368 pages
You may also want to read this:
How to Relax After a Busy Day at Work
Living it up in London—a Day Without Limits
**In collaboration with Rafal Reyzerewicz
