Book Report

 Book Report: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker 

Why We Sleep is written by a neuroscientist and sleep expert, Matthew Walker explains the roles that sleep plays in our health, emotions, memory, and quality of life. This book breaks down the science of sleep into a language we understand, showing how the neglect of resting in modern society is causing widespread physical and mental problems. Walker uses decades of research to explain the differences in the type of sleep we need such as REM sleep, and non REM sleep. The theme of the book is simple but extremely important. Sleep is not optional, it is a necessity just like food and water. Walker also addressed how inadequate sleep affects everything down to decision making, fertility, mental illness and chronic diseases. The book ends with advice and policy recommendations for individuals, schools and governments to help prioritize healthy sleep. 

My favorite part of the book was Chapter 6, this discusses how sleep plays a crucial role in learning and memory. I found this interesting because I work with children and this is not something you always think about when a child is struggling, a lot of people just jump to the assumption that they are lazy, not that they are lacking sleep. In the chapter Walker explains that during sleep, specifically deep sleep the brain actively consolidates and recognizes information learned through the day. This means that getting the right amount of sleep is as important as studying. 

I can connect this book to the class through personal experiences. Taking classes in the summer while working 3 jobs sleep is something that definitely made its way to the back burner. This is something that I have noticed affected my school work and how I have performed in all of my classes compared to how they went in the Spring. 

My real world connection is how relevant this book is in today's world where burn out, technology addiction and 24/7 work culture are at an all time high. Walker's research can help to inform better school start times, and public health campaigns to set a new standard. He argues for a later start time for teenagers because of how lack of sleep impairs their learning and increases their risk for mental health problems. His work can also influence how tech companies design screen time features to reduce blue light exposure and screen time before bed to help wind down.  

My creative feature is recommending you all to download the Rise sleep app or the Mintal Tracker app on your phone. We are all on our phones all the time and this is something that can help you. Both of these apps recommend your ideal bedtime, and the times that your energy will be at their peak and lowest during the day along with telling you what your sleep debt is. They also track your sleep to tell you how long you are in REM sleep and how long you are only in light sleep. Knowing this information can help you maximize your sleep and maximize how it impacts your life.