Book Review: Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker

Why We Sleep covers a wide range of topics that relate to sleep — including sleep disorders, sleep history, and the effects of sleep on today’s world. Matthew Walker, the author of the book, is a well-known sleep scientist with over 100 academic papers published about sleep. He is leading the field of sleep science into the 21st century. 

Walker brings up many studies as he discusses how sleep deprivation affects our functionality and how much sleeping well can improve our lives. This book took me over two years to read, but I can say for a fact that I have gotten so much out of the book. I have gained an interest in understanding sleep because sleep is truly a fascinating part of our lives.

Additionally, Why We Sleep makes sleep so appealing that it makes you fall asleep instantly. Not only have I found a love for books about sleep, but I have also become interested in books that put me to sleep. Thanks to this book, I have changed my routine before bedtime so I can get better sleep. I drop the temperature in my house an hour or two before bed (sorry Mom), and I sit the dark and read on my Kindle so I limit my exposure to blue light before bedtime (I know, what a loser). I also try to turn on my blue light filter on my phone before bedtime and keep my bedtime consistent.

I may seem a bit extreme—well, I am extreme—but I can say that I have gotten more sleep after learning about the power of sleep. After learning about what sleep does for my body, I promise myself to never pull an all-nighter (or at least in high school).

I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of feeling tired or just wants a good book to put themselves to sleep. 

This book gets five stars in my heart, which is an incredible accomplishment.

What do you do to help yourself fall asleep?