Why We Sleep The New Science of Sleep and Dreams / Why We Can't Sleep Women's New Midlife Crisis

by Matthew Walker, Ada Calhoun

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Self Help

Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Matthew Walker is a British scientist and professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on the impact of sleep on human health and disease. Previously, he was a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Almost terrifying to realize how oh-so very very important sleep is to pretty much every single facet of our lives, and how we generally don’t get or even prioritize it. Wish this had a more prescriptive angle - there is some at the end but i wanted more. And would have enjoyed a story from the author about how he prioritizes sleep in his life.

[Atchyut Nagabhairava · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all do it wrong, we all know we’re neglecting, we all know it is effecting our lives. Yet, we never bother to give enough time to rest our brain and body.

Yes, I’m one of those night binge watchers, I’m one of you. Until I read this book I never knew how much damage I’m doing to myself by not having enough sleep.

In this book the author explains the importance of sleep and it’s effects with small case studies from his research and experiences.

I’d recommend this book for those people who would like to take control of their sleep cycle and improve productivity in their lives.

[Alexa Selden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Educational. But way to drawn out. I’ll save you the trouble of reading the book- get 8 hours of sleep… it makes everything in life better

[Issie Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and has made me a little obsessed with my sleep, however did feel like he repeated himself a lot and could have condensed the book a bit

[Miranda Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. Some really interesting points re caffeine, weight gain, nicotine, alcohol and ADHD symptoms. It didn’t go as deeply into dreaming as I was hoping. Quite long but easy to skip to specific chapters.

[Pavel Antoci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to think sleep was something I could sacrifice when life got busy… turns out, it’s the one thing I shouldn’t be cutting short. Walker breaks down the science in a way that’s super easy to follow, and some of the facts blew my mind. Like how losing just an hour of sleep can increase your risk of a heart attack? Wild.

What I liked most is that it's not preachy—it just gives you the facts, the stories, and the research in a way that makes you want to take better care of your sleep. Since reading it, I’ve actually started protecting my bedtime like it’s sacred. No more scrolling into the early hours (well, trying not to at least!).

The two additional pages comes with tips for better sleep and more productivity but if you’ve ever wondered what sleep really does for your brain, your body, your memory, your mood—this book covers it all. Totally worth the read.

[Anna Trott-Herdrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

So i only read the Matthew Walker Why we Sleep from NYPL.

I think the grand goal for all of these books is to be Bill Bryson level. At least in my head and heart it is. I found the book to be highly entertaining. It wasn’t as anecdotal, dry, and funny as Bryson is. But I did find it very informative although slightly alarmist.

[Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este es un tema en el que todos creemos que somos autoridades. Sino, pregúntele a quien está con usted porqué dormimos. Algo le dirá. Sin embargo, cuando le criticas su forma de manejar el sueño, se vuelven toda una autoridad. La fisiología del sueño no es tan compleja, y se puede aprovechar el conocimiento para mejorar la salud del sueño.

[Ahmad Briz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a life changing read and potentially life saving. The information in there at times sounded too exaggerated and hard to believe, but everything was backed by research and evidence from multiple sources. I checked if it's still a current information because it was published in 2017 and it seems to still hold unchallenged. I highly recommend third read.

[Noel Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente obra, te abre totalmente los ojos a la manera en que tratamos nuestra forma de dormir y cómo podemos mejorarla. Sobre todo el manejo de el punto de vista de la cultura de el “sobre esfuerzo”

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking after my wellness is my main focus nowadays and good sleep (for me) is the key to it all. I’ve been practicing sleep hygiene for several months with much improvement to my sleep. Sadly, we can never repay our sleep debt :(

Most interesting is the NREM & REM sleep, and what effects each has on our brain and body. Fascinating read.

3.8 stars

[Chrissie Heasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has taken me ages to read this book, but having finished it I am resolved to prioritise sleep! This is an important book and I would love my family and friends to read it in order to reap the benefits of a good nights sleep.

[Steph Haylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I constantly tell my clients about the importance of sleep and loved the information in this book. We so often take sleep for granted in this day and age and it should literally be one of our top priorities for our general health and wellbeing. Definitely recommend.

[SReed · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any doubts about the healing power and genuine value of a good night’s sleep (7-9 hours) then this scientific review of data, studies and cases by Matthew Walker is for you. I’m happy to know that my delight in a cosy slumber is actually mentally and physically good for me.

[Celine Ko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was fascinated at the beginning and really loved the tone of voice. But after several chapters in, I got the jist of it. Will try for everyone to sleep more!

[Abdullah Uğraşkan]

Bir an once bitsin diye gece gunduz dua ettim, cok zorlandim 😂

[Sarah Moorcroft · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good insight with lots of interesting facts and tips for sleeping, however a lot of hard to read chunks diving into the science of sleep which I’m not as interested in

[Peter Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very accessible account of sleep research and sleep problems.A book to dip into for answers and stimulation.Readable

[Craig Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the science insights it provides around sleep

[Thomas Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my life for the better and sparked a journey of self improvement!

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great background on this vital part of our lives that no one talks about. But could have been shorter. Lots of repetition.

[Samrat Dhungana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a fascinating book! Sleep is such a vital part of our lives, yet we often neglect it. A must-read if you want to live a healthy life.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the good things to learn about sleep and how much important is sleep just like we breathe

[mosirow · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a common sense that sleep is important. But i never knew sleep is THAT important.

Budaya modern cenderung mendikte kita bahwa less sleep is better and more productive. But deaar it was wrong! Lewat buku ini saya belajar bahwa tidur merupakan aktivitas krusial dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Dampak dari kurang tidur bukan hanya akan terasa dalam waktu pendek, bahkan akan berdampak pada kondisi tubuh di masa tua kita bahkan pada genetik yang akan diwariskan ke keturunan kita.

[Balaji · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books to be read by this generation. Packed with insights. Everyone should be wary of the ill they inflict on themselves and others when do not take the importance of sleep seriously. The last chapter is a refreshing take on how technology can be utilized to counter this epidemic of poor sleep, as opposed to the common bashing of technology and society.