Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and DreamsWhy We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
Score Modern
What it's about
Neuroscientist Matthew Walker explains what scientists have learned about sleep: why we need it, what happens in our brains and bodies when we don't get enough, and how sleep affects learning, memory, mood, health and how long we live. He ends with practical advice for sleeping better.
Why it's worth reading
It became an international bestseller and changed how many people think about rest. It's clear, fascinating and persuasive.
You'll love it if you liked
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
The Body Keeps the Score
Thinking, Fast and SlowGood to know
Some researchers have criticized a few of its claims as overstated. It may make you go to bed earlier.
By the numbers
- Readers94 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller35 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #49 of the 119 science and ideas books we rank
- #366 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #724 of the 2,816 books we rank
Reads as
Thought-provoking, Practical
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Outliers: The Story of Success
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
Maybe You Should Talk to SomeoneExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Science and ideas booksTop 25 · 119 ranked
Modern booksTop 25 · 1,573 ranked
Books of the 2010sTop 25 · 736 ranked
Fantasy booksTop 25 · 459 ranked
Mysteries and thrillersTop 25 · 555 ranked
Literary novelsTop 25 · 309 ranked
Memoirs and biographiesTop 25 · 290 ranked
Science fiction booksTop 25 · 313 rankedQuick answers
Is Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams worth reading?
Yes. It became an international bestseller and changed how many people think about rest. It ranks #724 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 75.8 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams about?
Neuroscientist Matthew Walker explains what scientists have learned about sleep: why we need it, what happens in our brains and bodies when we don't get enough, and how sleep affects learning, memory, mood, health and how long we live. He ends with practical advice for sleeping better.
How long does it take to read Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams?
About 9 hours (360 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams?
If you liked it, try Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk or Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.