According to this wonderfully entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of sleep, it appears that all our ills can be alleviated, if not prevented altogether, by getting a good night’s sleep. Cancer, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, heart attacks, diabetes, even obesity – all will succumb to the power of 8 hours of uninterrupted slumber. Not only we as individuals will be better off, but so will the world, as bad decisions are usually made by those who are sleep-deprived – from doctors to generals to financiers. More road traffic accidents are caused by sleepiness than drink/drug driving. And how about this little known fact? Heart attacks peak on the day after the clocks go forward and slump the day after they go back and we all get an extra hour. Who’d have thought the solutions to so many of our sorry world’s problems can be found between the sheets.
OK, so I exaggerate a little, but in essence that does seem to be sleep scientist Matthew Walker’s argument, and I must say I found it pretty convincing. As parents we know instinctively that our crabby child is simply tired, that our teenagers really do need to sleep later in the morning, and that sleep is essential to well-being and recovery after illness (although we probably wouldn’t fall ill if we got enough sleep). This book attempts to explain the science behind sleep, and does so in an easy to read and accessible way. Some reviewers have taken issue with some of Walker’s conclusions, and maybe they are correct to do so, but so what, I ask? If simply getting more and better quality sleep can have even a small effect on our mental and physical health, then I for one am willing to take the lessons of this book to heart. So sshhh now please, I’m off to get my 8 hours…..

This is an interesting book based on an enormous amount of research. It was written in an accessible way, if a little repetitive at times. There were some scary stories of what might happen to us if we don't get enough sleep, but very few solutions for those of us who do not manage the requisite 8 hours per night for whatever reason. Maybe a follow-up is needed- "How to sleep better...." ?
There were tables and charts throughout the book which just came out as headings in my downloaded copy.

Why We Sleep was a really interesting, accessible read. Walker discusses what sleep is, why it is important, and how our understanding of it has grown. I found new facts surprising me every few pages, and I finished this book with a much better understanding of why I should get my eight hours every night. I hope more people read this, because Walker will open their eyes or oen of the most important aspects of mankind and society's wellbeing.

Trouble sleeping? Do you want a life-saving health regime with absolutely no side effects? If you answer yes to either (or both) of these questions this book is required reading. Although the book suffers a little from the author’s understandable desire to share as much background and supporting evidence as possible, which can mean the wood can sometimes be hidden by a close up of too many trees, the key messages he shares with his readers are potentially life-saving and, certainly, quality-of-life-enhancing. There is no category of reader who is not capable of applying the author’s advice and thereby enhancing her/his health; educational potential; or employment prospects. In addition to its relevance to everyday life, CEOs, managers and politicians should also consider the advice offered in the context of policy and HR development.

Imagine a gripping psychological thriller, replete with clues ... data ... so you can make your own conclusions with a genial voice warning you of doom and gloom, yet uplifting in its conclusions and also unputdownable .. that's what we have here .. exhilarating gripping real science. We all sleep, so this matters to us all .. an accessible style, like an avuncular and familiar figure/voice. It kept me up reading, ironically!! Terrific...its confidence in its own conclusions may be controversial but it's awfully convincing.

Sleep is the poor cousin of diet and exercise, but no less important for it. One of the issues is that sleep has been so difficult to understand - when asked why people sleep, scientist William Dement said 'because we get sleepy'.

Rather than focus on the mechanics of sleep, Matthew Walker describes the effects of sleep and lack thereof. What results is a compelling book which should initiate life changes, prioritising sleep for overall health and performance. Hopefully the result will be less of a culture of sleep-deprivation-pride and more respect for those who properly rest, recover, and are ready for the day ahead.

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

An invaluable insight into why we sleep and the negative impact a lack of sleep can have. A fascinating read.

Not my usual type of book to read but thanks to Net Galley and the publishers I was given the opportunity to read a copy in return for an unbiased review. As many other have said, wish I'd been able to read this many years ago. Have to say that whilst certain parts of it are a little overly detailed in medical terms for me, it is nonetheless a life change publication and I have already implented a number of changes to my lifestyle and sleeping habits with positive results.

A very informative and thorough look at sleep. Academic and well-researched but accessible and sporadically interesting. The book will tell you anything you ever wanted to know about sleep and plenty more besides! And while it’s interesting, it can be a bit tedious at times. Still, it answers its title and is a very helpful overview of this large part of life on Earth.

As I studied sleep before, there were no absolute new information in this book, but I found it to be quite esaustive on every thing is necessary to know about why we sleep and the best way to handle sleep problems. so it was an absolutely interesting reading.

Io il sonno l'ho studiato quindi non é che in questo libro ci fossero informazioni particolarmente nuove, ma l'ho trovato particolarmente chiaro ed esaustivo per quanto riguarda le ragioni per cui "dovremmo" dormire di piú e meglio e come gestire gli eventuali problemi del sonno, quindi é stata comunque una lettura molto interessante.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!