Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams – Matthew Walker
“Sleep is not the absence of wakefulness. It is far more than that…our nighttime sleep is an exquisitely complex, metabolically active, and deliberately ordered series of unique stages.” – Matthew Walker
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, written by neuroscientist and sleep researcher Matthew Walker, is an engaging exploration of what happens in the body and brain when we sleep. The book takes the reader on a journey through the science of sleep, explaining why sleep exists and why it is essential not only for humans but across the animal kingdom. It also explains how sleep evolved and how different animals use different strategies to sleep, such as birds and dolphins, which can sleep with only half of their brain at a time in a process known as unihemispheric sleep.
Walker clearly describes the different phases of sleep, including REM and NREM, and explains how and why we dream. One of the strengths of the book is its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible, combining solid research with curious and often surprising facts. Examples include how caffeine works and why drinking coffee just before a short nap can be beneficial, as well as the explanation of why melatonin is not a general sleep aid but can be useful in specific situations such as adjusting to jet lag.
Walker also discusses the well known benefits of sleep for learning and memory, explaining how memories are transferred during sleep from temporary storage in the hippocampus to long term storage in the cortex. He highlights the role of sleep, and even short naps, in clearing temporary memory storage and making room for new information.
A central theme of the book is the damage caused by chronic sleep deprivation. Walker strongly emphasizes the negative effects of insufficient sleep on memory, brain function, physical health, and overall energy levels. At times, this emphasis can feel slightly alarmist or moralistic, and some arguments may appear overstated.
The book is easy to read despite being grounded in scientific research, making it suitable for a broad audience. It is especially relevant at a time when sleep is receiving increasing attention, yet is still often sacrificed in daily life.
Overall, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams is an informative and stimulating read for anyone interested in understanding how sleep works and why it matters, offering a persuasive introduction to the science of sleep and dreaming.
📖 Resource:
Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Matthew Walker – 2017.
