We've all heard the phrase, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," but Why We Sleep shines much-needed light on not only the benefits of slumber, but also the dire--and sometimes fatal--consequences of avoiding it.
As with many who have read this book, I first heard Dr. Walker on the wonderful, multi-faceted, Joe Rogan Experience podcast. If Walker's revelatory words in that interview were such to pique my curiosity, his book was enough to make me a determined, devoted acolyte. Why We Sleep contains information on scientific studies, personal experiences, and keen observation on our current society's roadblocks in gaining sufficient rest. If your reading experience is similar to mine, you'll no doubt make a number of health connections between yourself and your loved ones as one harsh truth after another hits home. From Alzheimer's to obesity, diabetes to traffic accidents, accuracy in the workplace to flagging test scores, lack of sleep appears to be a major contributor--if not the direct cause--for these maladies and more.
While there is certainly a great amount of conflicting information regarding just how much sleep we should be getting each night, I doubt many can question whether or not they should be getting more. I daresay, if you read this book, the only related question you'll ask is, "Why didn't someone tell me sooner?"