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Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

by Matthew Walker

★★★★☆ 4.37 (230 525 ratings)
2017 · 368 pages · ~6h 8m read · Nonfiction

Neuroscientist Matthew Walker explores the vital importance of sleep, examining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental health. From the mechanics of REM sleep to the long-term consequences of chronic deprivation, Walker provides a fascinating look at why we rest and how it impacts learning, mood, and longevity. This eye-opening book offers practical advice for improving sleep quality, making it an essential read for anyone looking to optimize their well-being and understand the biological necessity of rest.

A popular book with millions of readers worldwide.

Topic: Self GrowthStyle: Academic
sciencehealthpsychology

Notable Quotes

"The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep."
"Practice does not make perfect. It is practice, followed by a night of sleep, that leads to perfection."
"After thirty years of intensive research, we can now answer many of the questions posed earlier. The recycle rate of a human being is around sixteen hours. After sixteen hours of being awake, the brain begins to fail. Humans need more than seven hours of sleep each night to maintain cognitive performance. After ten days of just seven hours of sleep, the brain is as dysfunctional as it would be after going without sleep for twenty-four hours. Three full nights of recovery sleep (i.e., more nights than a weekend) are insufficient to restore performance back to normal levels after a week of short sleeping. Finally, the human mind cannot accurately sense how sleep-deprived it is when sleep-deprived."

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