Why We Sleep cover art

Why We Sleep

The New Science of Sleep and Dreams

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Why We Sleep

By: Matthew Walker
Narrated by: John Sackville
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin

THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

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

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.

In this audiobook, 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 into 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.

Includes a bonus PDF of graphs and diagrams.

'Astonishing ... an amazing book ... absolutely chocker full of things that we need to know' Chris Evans

'Matthew Walker is probably one of the most influential people on the planet' Evening Standard

'Startling, vital ... a life-raft' Guardian

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

'Passionate, urgent . . . it had a powerful effect on me' Observer

©2017 Matthew Walker (P)2017 Penguin Books Ltd

Biological Sciences Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Sleep Disorders Thought-Provoking Health Dementia Inspiring Funny Feel Better Feel-Good Physiology Alzheimer's Disease Longevity Mental Health

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Critic reviews

A neuroscientist shows how a good night's shut-eye can make us cleverer, more attractive, slimmer, happier, healthier and ward off cancer . . . it's probably a little too soon to tell you that it saved my life, but it's been an eye-opener (Mark O'Connell)
Passionate, urgent . . . it had a powerful effect on me (Rachel Cooke)
An important and fascinating book (Bill Gates)
Compelling and utterly convincing . . . you'll never think of your bedtime in the same way again (James McConnachie)
A stimulating and important book . . . richly packed with science (Clive Cookson)
Uplifting . . . Walker is in love with sleep and wants us to fall in love with sleep, too (David Kamp)
Matthew Walker is probably one of the most influential people on the planet (Katie Law)
Astonishing . . . an amazing book . . . absolutely chocker full of things that we need to know (Chris Evans)
Amazing . . . I'm obsessed with this book (Thom Yorke)
Passionate, urgent, convincing . . . it had a powerful effect on me (Rachel Cooke)
All stars
Most relevant

Would you listen to Why We Sleep again? Why?

Yes, and I am already (immediately after finishing it). The subject has changed my life and I want to ensure I took it all in first time!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I cannot pick one chapter. They are all exceptional. The beauty of the writing is that you can dip in and out of chapters and read them in any order and they still make perfect sense. Fantastic!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Sleep: Evolutionary Elixir (SEE for short!)

Any additional comments?

This book has already changed my life and continues to do so. It is no exaggeration to say it is the best book i have ever read/listened to. I am lucky in that I do not particularly suffer from sleep problems but, either way, the book is fascinating, interesting and informative. I could not recommend this book more highly.

The most fascinating book I have read in 20 years

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Superb book, easy to follow advice helping you to understand WHY.....it’s essential to understand why you should follow certain practices. I thought it was beautifully narrated too. Can’t recommend this book enough.

Fantastic book, can’t recommend it enough

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Factually accurate, based on my knowledge as a Psychology Degree student and studies very well described. Also very well read by a British narrator.

Factually accurate and well read

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Highly highly recommend this book. Off to sleep now!!! This should be part of school curriculum

Fascinating

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there are so many fascinating chapters in here with masses of information pertinent to every strata of life as a parent, adult, teen and elder and professional. brilliant and offers so many alternative visions.

So enlightening.

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