My Takeaways from 'Why We Sleep' book

I recently got a recommendation to read Matthew Walker's "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams" by a colleague, and I borrowed it from the local library and read. It is a great book and it is the very very interesting book I’ve read this year. It’s completely changed the way I think about sleep and shifted it much higher on my priority list. So I couldn't stop talking about it with my friends > few of them asked me to share some things I learned, so I'm writing below points for anyone to refer. I strongly recommend you to read it.

 

 

1. Memory Booster: Sleep isn't just for rest – it's like a superhero for memory. It helps lock in new stuff you've learned so you don't forget it the next day.
2. Learn Like a Pro: Guess what? Sleep makes you a learning machine. It helps your brain soak up new skills and knowledge like a sponge.
3. Dreamy Creativity: Ever had those wild dreams? Well, turns out, dreaming during REM sleep isn't just cool; it's great for sorting out your emotions and boosting your creative mojo.
4. Health Alert: Skip sleep, and you're playing with fire. Your chances of gaining unwanted pounds, dealing with diabetes, and having heart troubles shoot up. Yikes!
5. Happy Vibes: A good snooze keeps your mood in check. When you don't sleep enough, your brain's "happy chemicals" can get all wonky.
6. Age-Defying Zzz's: Sleep isn't just for the young – it's your secret weapon for staying sharp as you get older. Plus, it helps your body fix itself while you snuggle under the covers.
7. Food Friend or Foe: Sleep plays tricks with your hunger hormones. If you're not catching enough Zzz's, you might end up overeating without realizing it.
8. Brain Power Boost: Need to ace that test or come up with a genius idea? Quality sleep's got your back. It's like a brain workout that makes you smarter.
9. Sleep-Starved Society: We're all guilty of putting Netflix before bedtime. But beware – our modern lifestyle is making us a bunch of tired zombies.
10. Sleep Like a Pro: Don't worry, the book's got your back with easy-peasy tips. Stick to a sleep schedule, create a comfy sleep cave, and bam – you're on your way to dreamland success.

So in the appendix of the book it has 12 tips for better sleep taken from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep (Google NIH + tips to good night sleep)

So there you have it, the scoop on why sleep is the real MVP. If you're ready to supercharge your brain, mood, and health, "Why We Sleep" might just be your bedtime story of choice. Catch those Zzz's, folks! 😴🌟