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 number one Sunday Times best seller.

TLS, Observer, Sunday Times, FT, Guardian, Daily Mail and Evening Standard Books of the Year 2017.

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, read by John Sackville.

Includes a bonus PDF of graphs and diagrams.

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our life, health and longevity and yet it is increasingly neglected in 21st 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.

Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why its absence is so damaging to our health. Compared to the other basic drives in life - eating, drinking and reproducing - the purpose of sleep remained elusive.

Now, in this audiobook, the first of its kind written by a scientific expert, Professor Matthew Walker explores 20 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 in to 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.

©2017 Matthew Walker (P)2017 Penguin Audio
Biological Sciences Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Sleep Disorders Inspiring Feel-Good Funny Dementia Alzheimer's Disease Mental Health

Critic Reviews

"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)

What listeners say about Why We Sleep

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Amazing book!

If you value your health i assure you this book is a necessity for that. In fact government public health agencies must adopt this new way of looking at sleep to comprehend how much of an impact good sleep practices have on our population.

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2 people found this helpful

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life changing - i have been doing it wrong

all people, schools, government, hospital administrators should be forced to read this great well balanced book.

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1 person found this helpful

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Fantastic

Amazing book, filled with knowledge that should be shared far and wide! Don't wait, get it ASAP

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Fantastic book, for everyone, sleep issues or not!

We all know sleep is important, but you really don't grasp just how much it impacts literally every aspect of your life.
Part of this book is rather scientific, yet very understandable and doesn't get boring. I find it explains the workings of the brain pretty well and the aspects of (a lack of) sleep in various situations. The only anti-climax was the long awaited 'solution' is not exactly revolutionary or a quick fix, yet I applied these things with renewed vigour and strictness and I must say I did start sleeping better.. (I read the book about 2 months ago) I'm tempted to buy a hardcopy of this as well so it's easier to flick through and highlight/re-read some things, although for the initial run I think it works best as an audiobook as it might take more effort to actually read the scientific parts compared to listening to it while doing some menial daily chores.
I'd recommend this book to literally everyone cause we as a society really need to make some changes to our global view on sleep (teenagers - school hours?). I've already bought 2 people I know a copy and there will probably be a few more.
Do yourself a favour and have a listen, and then go have a nap ;)

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No.1 commodity known to man

Made me sleepy. Job well done obviously. If you think you get enough sleep think again

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Excellent, enjoyable, important

This book does exactly what it sets out to do - communicate the science of sleep in a fascinating and easy to absorb manner.

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Scientific & Really Practical!

Loved this book. Lots of new, interesting, life changing things presented. Recommended for everyone.

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Must Read Book Of The Decade!

MUST-READ BOOK for anyone who can't sleep very well, has young children and is interested in living longer!!!
This book should be read in high school as it's so important for our children to learn how to sleep properly!
I now know why I am still hung over after drinking too much although I have had 9 hours of sleep!!
Read the most important book of the decade!
LOVE IT!

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Excellent.

Life changing information, backed by solid scientific data with the power to transform society for good.

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Great listen

My sister was telling me about this book and once I started listening I understood why. I always knew sleep was important but I enjoyed finding out the science behind why and also how to try and make improvements to the quality of sleep I’m getting.

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