Why We Sleep cover art

Why We Sleep

The New Science of Sleep and Dreams

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection - including bestsellers and new releases.
Unlimited access to our all-you-can-listen catalogue of 15K+ audiobooks and podcasts
Access exclusive sales and deals.
£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

Why We Sleep

By: Matthew Walker
Narrated by: John Sackville
Try Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30 days. Renews automatically. See here for eligibility.

Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

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

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
A hearty NO! Matthew’s 20+ years of sleep studying and psychological tests have delivered some of the biggest results for humans in the betterment of themselves, their safety and society. This is a must read(or listen) book for all who are interested in prolonging their life or taking steps so as not to shorten it. John narrates the book wonderfully and really brings the enthusiasm that Matthew Walker pens. From increasing you chance of fighting off the common cold to even improving your chances of surviving cancer “Why We Sleep?” is an insightful and motivating book.

Is Sleep just for the Weak?

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Sorting out my sleep patterns has been my main New Years resolution as I have come to the conclusion that most other things in my life will improve greatly once this is achieved.
But I hadn't realised the vast catalogue of problems sleep deprivation is causing in the developed world. And that almost all of us will be suffering from it to some degree.
This book is both very interesting in explaining the mechanism of sleep, and everything in our modern lives that have an influence on the quality of our sleep.
Concluding with a comprehensive list of everything we can do to free ourselves from the misery of tiredness and under performance in the day and sleeplessness at night.
I'm going to listen again. And this time I'm taking notes.

Facinating and useful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Any additional comments?

This book has completely changed my attitude to sleep - it presents a number of fascinating facts and new research into the science of sleep and debunks many myths associated with sleep. I was particularly alarmed by the facts associated with sleep and alcohol.

Superb

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This is an absolutely fascinating summary of what research has taught us about sleep. The consequences of poor sleep are spelled out in plain English, and with extensive reference to real-world examples. At times, the density of information almost desensitised me - there are just so many ways our bodies and minds are impacted by a lack of sleep, and these are all well-known. It's just a shame this information isn't better dissipated to the general public.

I've never read a book that has so fundamentally altered my understanding of my daily life.

Ironically, very eye-opening

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This book is brilliantly presented and engaging.
Understanding the power of sleep and the detriment to our health and well-being going without has, I will now take even greater steps to protect my rest each night.
This should be on the reading stand of all people, especially decision makers who could lead some of the social changes so needed.

Possibly life changing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews