The “sleep well” challenge
Sleep has been a persistent struggle in my daily life for quite some time. Living in a noisy environment for years has undoubtedly disrupted my ability to enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Interestingly, I’ve never felt a direct impact on my mood or productivity, never experiencing extreme fatigue or irritability. However, as I embark on my quest for a healthier life now that I’ve reached the age of 43, improving my sleep will be one of my primary focuses for experimentation and improvement.
“Why we sleep”, a book of Matthew Walker
When delving into the topic of sleep, it’s impossible to ignore one of the leading authorities in the field—Matthew Walker—and his remarkable book, “Why We Sleep.” Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Center for Human Sleep Science, explores the scientific aspects and importance of sleep. In this book, Walker delves into various dimensions of sleep, including its functions, effects on physical and mental health, and the consequences of sleep deprivation. If you’re interested, you can find the book on Amazon [link: https://www.amazon.it/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144316/].
Walker also offers a video Masterclass that covers similar and equally captivating content to his book. You can access it here: [link: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/matthew-walker-teaches-the-science-of-better-sleep].
The mystery of sleep
Throughout his work, Walker discusses the different stages of sleep, such as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and deep sleep, explaining their roles in memory consolidation, emotional regulation, learning, creativity, and overall well-being. Furthermore, he highlights the significance of sleep for physical health, including its impact on the immune system, metabolism, and the prevention of various diseases.
“Why We Sleep” delves into the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, both in the short-term and over extended periods, on cognitive performance, mood, mental health, and the increased risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even certain types of cancer.
The book also examines societal factors that contribute to insufficient sleep, such as the prevalence of technology, demanding work schedules, and the underestimation of sleep’s importance in our modern culture.
Throughout the book, Walker supports his claims with scientific evidence and research findings, offering practical advice on improving sleep quality and establishing healthy sleep habits.
In summary, “Why We Sleep” is a compelling exploration of the vital role that sleep plays in our lives. It sheds light on the science behind sleep and advocates for the adoption of better sleep practices to enhance our overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
As I embark on my journey to improve my own sleep routine based on Walker’s theories and suggestions, I’ll share some curated advice with you. This advice will prove beneficial if you’re also experiencing sleep difficulties or if you’re simply interested in experimenting and gaining a deeper understanding of this fascinating phenomenon.
