Read your way to sleep

We have all experienced it - going to work or school sluggishly and your whole day is ruined because you’ve just had a horrible night’s sleep. Corresponding with the theme of sleep this month, here are a few books that give you practical advice on how to sleep better. It’s really a win-win situation: if you get bored half-way or end up benefiting from these books, you end up sleeping!

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Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker

Poor sleep damages our mental and physical health. It increases our risks of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and diabetes, just to name a few. ‘Why We Sleep’ delves into the science of sleep and how it has affected creatures across the animal kingdom as well as in human studies. It further explains how our sleep can be impacted by certain factors and habits. Ultimately, sleep is a vital component in our lives, the extent of which you will be able to deduce from this book.

P.S. Chris Evans read this book!

The Sleep Solution by W. Chris Winter

Dr Winter has been called the ‘Sleep Whisperer’. Engaging and clearly written, he explains findings that uncover solutions for insomnia and other problems we have with sleep. The tips, tricks, exercises and illustrations throughout the book give readers tools to have better sleep, without using sleeping pills. Dr Winter has worked with many patients, including professional athletes.

Say Good Night to Insomnia by Gregg D. Jacobs

This book is a practical guide on overcoming insomnia that has been developed at Harvard Medical School, proven to have improved sleep in 100% of insomniacs, reduced or eliminated the use of sleeping pills in 90% of them and helped 75% become normal sleepers. It explains scientifically proven techniques that not only improves sleep but also overall health and wellbeing.

Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson

To achieve peak performance in your work, health and relationships, a key element is sleep. Stevenson writes through his own experience incorporating different nutrition and sleeping habits in his life to optimise his sleep at night. He found that he was able to achieve better fitness and business goals, and details his 14-day sleep makeover in this book. He explains the strategies with a more personal approach rather than the more science-heavy methods in the previous recommendations.