Neuroscience · Popular science
Why We Sleep
Neuroscientist Matthew Walker argues that sleep matters far more than most people think for memory, mood and health, and explains what happens in the brain during sleep and dreaming.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2017
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 360
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a readable case for taking your sleep seriously, with tips on getting more.
Skip this if you want cautious science, as some of its claims have been criticised.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about Why We Sleep
- What is Why We Sleep about?
- Neuroscientist Matthew Walker argues that sleep matters far more than most people think for memory, mood and health, and explains what happens in the brain during sleep and dreaming.
- Who should read Why We Sleep?
- Read it if you want a readable case for taking your sleep seriously, with tips on getting more. Skip it if you want cautious science, as some of its claims have been criticised.
- How long and how fast is Why We Sleep?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 360 pages, first published in 2017.
- Does Why We Sleep have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow Why We Sleep for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Why We Sleep; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
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| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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