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  • Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
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Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams Hardcover – Illustrated, Oct. 3 2017

4.6 out of 5 stars 32,554 ratings
4.4 on Goodreads
215,640 ratings

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Why We Sleep is an important and fascinating book…Walker taught me a lot about this basic activity that every person on Earth needs. I suspect his book will do the same for you.” —Bill Gates

A New York Times bestseller and international sensation, this “stimulating and important book” (Financial Times) is a fascinating dive into the purpose and power of slumber.

Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when we don't sleep. Compared to the other basic drives in life—eating, drinking, and reproducing—the purpose of sleep remained elusive.

An explosion of scientific discoveries in the last twenty years has shed new light on this fundamental aspect of our lives. Now, preeminent neuroscientist and sleep expert Matthew Walker gives us a new understanding of the vital importance of sleep and dreaming. Within the brain, sleep enriches our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions. It recalibrates our emotions, restocks our immune system, fine-tunes our metabolism, and regulates our appetite. Dreaming mollifies painful memories and creates a virtual reality space in which the brain melds past and present knowledge to inspire creativity.

Walker answers important questions about sleep: how do caffeine and alcohol affect sleep? What really happens during REM sleep? Why do our sleep patterns change across a lifetime? How do common sleep aids affect us and can they do long-term damage? Charting cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and synthesizing decades of research and clinical practice, Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood, and energy levels; regulate hormones; prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes; slow the effects of aging; increase longevity; enhance the education and lifespan of our children, and boost the efficiency, success, and productivity of our businesses. Clear-eyed, fascinating, and accessible,
Why We Sleep is a crucial and illuminating book.

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Review

“A thoughtful tour through the still dimly understood state of being asleep … Why We Sleep is a book on a mission. Walker is in love with sleep and wants us to fall in love with sleep, too. And it is urgent. He makes the argument, persuasively, that we are in the midst of a ‘silent sleep loss epidemic’ that poses ‘the greatest public health challenge we face in the 21st century’ … Why We Sleep mounts a persuasive, exuberant case for addressing our societal sleep deficit and for the virtues of sleep itself. It is recommended for night-table reading in the most pragmatic sense.”
New York Times Book Review

"The director of UC Berkeley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab explores the purpose of slumber. Understanding the 'why,' it turns out, just might help you with the 'how to.'"
People

"A neuroscientist has found a revolutionary way of being cleverer, more attractive, slimmer, happier, healthier and of warding off cancer — a good night’s shut-eye ... It’s probably a little too soon to tell you that
Why We Sleep saved my life, but I can tell you that it’s been an eye-opener."
The Guardian

"This is a stimulating and important book which you should read in the knowledge that the author is, as he puts it, 'in love with everything that sleep is and does.' But please do not begin it just before bedtime."
Financial Times

"Fascinating ... Walker describes how our resting habits have changed throughout history; the connection between sleep, chronic disease, and life span; and why the pills and aids we use to sleep longer and deeper are actually making our nights worse. Most important, he gives us simple, actionable ways to get better rest—tonight."
Men's Journal

“Walker is a scientist but writes for the layperson, illustrating tricky concepts with easily grasped analogies. Of particular interest to business owners, educators, parents, and government officials, and anyone who has ever suffered from a poor night’s sleep.”
Library Journal, starred review

"Why We Sleep is simply a must-read. World-renowned neuroscientist and sleep expert Matthew Walker takes us on a fascinating and indispensable journey into the latest understandings of the science of sleep. And the book goes way beyond satisfying intellectual curiosity, as it explores the cognitive, health, safety and business consequences of compromising the quality and quantity of our sleep; insights that may change the way you live your life. In these super-charged, distracting times it is hard to think of a book that is more important to read than this one."
—Adam Gazzaley, co-author of The Distracted Mind, founder and executive director of Neuroscape, and Professor of Neurology, Physiology, and Psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco

“Most of us have no idea what we do with a third of our lives. In this lucid and engaging book, Matt Walker explains the new science that is rapidly solving this age-old mystery.
Why We Sleep is a canny pleasure that will have you turning pages well past your bedtime.”
—Daniel Gilbert, professor of psychology at Harvard and author of Stumbling on Happiness

"In
Why We Sleep, Dr. Matt Walker brilliantly illuminates the night, explaining how sleep can make us healthier, safer, smarter, and more productive. Clearly and definitively, he provides knowledge and strategies to overcome the life-threatening risks associated with our sleep-deprived society. Our universal need for sleep ensures that every reader will find value in Dr. Walker's insightful counsel."
—Mark R. Rosekind, Ph.D., former NHTSA Administrator, NTSB member, and NASA scientist

About the Author

Matthew Walker is a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley, the Director of its Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab, and a former professor of psychiatry at Harvard University. He has published over 100 scientific studies and has appeared on 60 Minutes, Nova, BBC News, and NPR’s Science Friday. Why We Sleep is his first book.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ Oct. 3 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1501144316
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501144318
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 544 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 2.54 x 22.86 cm
  • 鶹 Rank: #78,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 32,554 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
32,554 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book life-changing, interesting, and excellent to understand the latest research on the necessity of a good night's sleep. They mention it's written by an expert with remarkable research and clinical experience. Readers describe the content as informative, insightful, and full of facts. They describe the book as a must-read for pretty much everyone, easy to read, and one of the best they have read this year.

79 customers mention "Life-changing"79 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amazing, interesting, and excellent to understand the latest research on the necessity of a good night's sleep. They say it's written by an expert with remarkable research and clinical experience. Readers also mention the structure of the book is quite useful and essential reading for the young and their carers.

"Great book, very straight forward." Read more

"Great read, too bad the real author isn’t the narrator because he’s very good. But the content is so important." Read more

"Excellent book! I really enjoyed it. The writing is fluid and easy. There is a lot of information...." Read more

"Amazing book. Some very bold claims were made, and they were all backed up by clear evidence...." Read more

33 customers mention "Sleep quality"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book profound to their existence. They say it will give them a deep understanding of everything sleep-related, from sleep in the womb to sleep after birth.

"This is an excellent book that everyone should read. Good sleep is nonnegotiable and you will definitely understand after this book." Read more

"...and Matthew knows his so much subject as he is one of the best sleep expert scientist in the world...." Read more

"...take advantage of one of the most powerful wellness tools - a goodnight's sleep, provided by the nature for health, vitality, and productivity...." Read more

"...outstanding book of researched based knowledge about how profound sleep is to our existence...." Read more

31 customers mention "Informative"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative, insightful, and full of facts. They say it enabled them to discuss the topic in greater detail. Readers also mention the points are easy to understand and the author knows his subject.

"This book is very well written and informative. Lots of things I'm going to apply. I highly recommend this book." Read more

"...Overall, I found the book fascinating and insightful...." Read more

"Excellent book! I really enjoyed it. The writing is fluid and easy. There is a lot of information...." Read more

"...This book has great insights how your sleep affects your major decision like doctors cause many errors in surgeries if not slept well...." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, easy, and one of the best they have read this year. They say it's a must-read for pretty much everyone. Readers also mention mostly each chapter can be read individually.

"Easy to read and Full of information that everyone should have access to. Worth the read for sure" Read more

"...I agree with the author’s claim that mostly each chapter can be read individually and out of order without losing the grip on the overall narrative...." Read more

"Covers many things we wouldn't think about sleep. Well written, easy to read" Read more

"...Honestly, an absolute must read for just about anyone. And by that, I mean literally everyone...." Read more

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Top reviews from Canada

  • Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent book that everyone should read. Good sleep is nonnegotiable and you will definitely understand after this book.
  • Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I learned a lot of things about sleep, this book is great and Matthew knows his so much subject as he is one of the best sleep expert scientist in the world.

    I even subscribed to the Masterclass platform in part to watch his video Masterclass, which is essentially a condensed version of the book but to hear him talk with passion about his subject was very complementary to the book. He is very well articulated and speaks clearly.

    Conclusion: Everyone should read this book. Sleep is so underrated in our society.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in Canada on January 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I picked up this book for the winter holidays and I think the timing worked well as I had time to evaluate and test some of the key concepts presented by the author. Since my twelfth grade, I assumed that six hours of sleep which many times used to end up less than six hours was enough. After reading this book I realized how under-slept I was during most of my youth years as such, it explains why at times I was less effective in learning newer skills faster than what was normally expected. I have experienced memory loss, not being able to recall during the exam what I studied nights before, lack of energy, unexplained body pain, and even anomalies in the routine blood test results. My hope now is that every night I will take advantage of one of the most powerful wellness tools - a goodnight's sleep, provided by the nature for health, vitality, and productivity.

    I found the structure of the book quite useful. I agree with the author’s claim that mostly each chapter can be read individually and out of order without losing the grip on the overall narrative.I felt some of the theories are based on assumptions that are not necessarily scientifically proven. It is up to the readers how much discount they are willing to give and accept those theories unless proven incorrectly. I also thought some of the facts presented were slightly inflated to make a plausible case, but the central theme about the necessity of good sleep to enable human body systems upgrades, memory data backup, defragmentation, synchronization, biological firewall protection, and a re-set, that cannot be neglected.

    Overall, I found the book fascinating and insightful. As a design consultant in the building industry, my biggest takeaway is to look for opportunities to help build spaces and integrate technologies to support quality sleep and rest for the well-being of its occupant.
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    An outstanding book of researched based knowledge about how profound sleep is to our existence. Clearly written, with beautiful explanations and examples, it is simply the best book that explains one- third of our existence. I’ve studied the practical side of neuroscience for over 20 years. This book is the missing link that rounds out what we know about the brain.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Written in an engaging and conversational way, this fascinating book is full of the latest research on sleep. We spend hours asleep each day, but why? Aren't we more efficient and productive if we sleep less? The answer is absolutely not, and the reasons are so many. Add 20 more years to your life by reading this book, then pass on that knowledge to your kids and grandkids.

    Sleeping and dreaming, those mysteries of our biology, are no longer mysterious. Rather than being an absence of wakefulness, they perform essential biological functions in memory, creativity, immunity, cancer prevention, emotional and mental health, and learning.

    I needed to know how sleep helps me so that I could be inspired to give it the priority it deserves. Most of my daily complaints are easily correctable with adequate sleep, but they weren't always obviously connected. I'm going to reread this book, then read it again and again until my sleeping brain had integrated all this knowledge.

    As a teacher, I was also fascinated to learn how sleep will help my students remember new skills, integrate them into their previous knowledge, and creatively make new connections.

    A great read. Highly recommend.
    26 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in Canada on November 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Covers many things we wouldn't think about sleep. Well written, easy to read
  • Reviewed in Canada on May 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Love this book
  • Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I have personally experienced sleep challenges throughout my adult life. After reading Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, I now have an improved understanding of why sleep should be a priority for me and for society at large. Furthermore, I gained many practical tips from reading this book that I have already applied in my own life. Now, I am confident that I can consistently obtain a high quality and quantity of sleep each night. Thank you, Matthew Walker!
    5 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • MMAArch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sleep is the foundation
    Reviewed in Spain on October 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Why We Sleep offers a sophisticated and comprehensive exploration of the vital role that sleep plays in the human condition, extending beyond mere rest to encompass profound physiological, cognitive, and existential dimensions. Matthew Walker meticulously elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms by which sleep serves as the foundation for neurocognitive enhancement, emotional resilience, and somatic restoration, positioning it as an indispensable pillar of holistic well-being. His rigorous synthesis of empirical research and theoretical insights compels the reader to reevaluate the pervasive underestimation of sleep’s ontological significance, making this text an essential treatise for those seeking to optimize the human experience through the lens of restorative science.
  • Jolan Stokx
    5.0 out of 5 stars good
    Reviewed in Belgium on July 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    came on time, as ordered, undamaged
  • J. Lenssen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on August 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic book that provides an excellent overview of sleep research
  • 鶹 Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding book about the need of Sleep
    Reviewed in France on December 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I've read other books about sleep, watched YouTube lectures and listened to podcasts about the importance of sleep for good health and longevity. This is the most detailed, scientific explanation of the subject and written in an understandable way for adults. Brilliant.
  • Milan
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most important books that I've ever read
    Reviewed in India on December 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I can easily say that Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, a neuroscientist, is one of the most important books that I've ever read. Modern humans have always taken their sleep for granted. It's always something that we can catch up on. And we have been dead wrong about this. Everything in our life is affected by the quality and quantity of our sleep. Almost everything that we do is enhanced/spoiled by our sleeping decision.

    Humans are not sleeping the way nature intended them to. The number of sleep periods, the duration of sleep, and when sleep occurs has all been distorted by the modern life. Human beings are the only species that deliberately deprive themselves of sleep to their detriment for petty activities. Even moderate reductions for just one week in our sleep disrupts the blood sugar levels so much that we would be classified as pre-diabetic.

    A few things that stood out for me:

    • Sleep is divided into non-REM sleep (early night) and REM sleep (mostly later night)
    • Sleep enhances our capacity to learn, remember and make logical decisions.
    • It configures our emotions, guards our immune system, takes care of our metabolism and keeps our weight in check.
    • Its deficiency is the leading cause of road accidents.
    • “The shorter you sleep, the shorter your life span.”
    • Inadequate sleep is associated with higher rates of mental disorders, heart diseases, cancer, dementia, etc.
    • Sleeping pills are no match for natural sleep.
    • Alcohol is one of the most powerful suppressors of REM sleep that we know of.
    • Sleep deprivation vastly increases your likelihood of getting infections.
    • REM sleep is what stands between rationality and insanity.
    • Many people walk through their lives sleep-deprived and never realize it.
    • Regularity is the key to good sleep - going to bed at the same time, waking up at the same time no matter what.

    There is so much in this book which should not be summarized. It has to be read and felt. This incomparable book should be compulsory reading for everyone.