Why We Sleep
Why We Sleep
Matthew Walker
Health & FitnessPsychology
40 pages89 min
This book reveals sleep as the single most effective action for resetting mental and physical health, a practice severely neglected in modern society. Two-thirds of adults fail to get enough sleep, leading to devastating consequences: increased risks of cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and psychiatric disorders, alongside impaired memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. It details the science of sleep, including circadian rhythms, adenosine, and the distinct functions of NREM and REM sleep for memory, emotional processing, and creativity. The author advocates for a radical shift in societal values, urging individuals and institutions to prioritize sleep through better hygiene, flexible schedules, and education to combat this silent health epidemic and reclaim overall well-being.