The Science of Sleep

By: John Medina

Narrated by: John Medina

Length: 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Science of Sleep, by developmental molecular biologist Dr. John Medina, gives you the facts - and the prescription to sleep well - in his signature engaging style. Adapted from Medina's Brain Rules for Aging Well: 10 Principles for Staying Vital, Happy, and Sharp, you'll learn how the sleep cycle is born of a constant tension between hormones and brain regions vying to keep you awake and hormones and brain regions trying to make you go to sleep. This is called opponent-process theory.

Sleep, scientists are finding, doesn't have as much to do with energy restoration as it does with processing memories and flushing out toxins in the brain. As you grow older, your sleep cycle becomes more fragmented, particularly the part of the cycle during which toxins are flushed out of the brain. Accruing good sleep habits by middle age (a stable sleep routine; no caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine six hours prior to going to sleep) is the best way to avoid sleep-related cognitive decline in old age. You may already be experiencing the sometimes unpleasant effects of the aging process. Or you may be deeply concerned about your loved ones who are. Either way, The Science of Sleep is for you.

©2017 Pear Press (P)2017 Pear Press

Short and informative, nothing new

This chapter of a book offers a summary of some sleep research, which bottom line is that we don't really know a lot about why we sleep and how it works.

However, it suggests a few points that worth trying:
1. Wake up at the same time every day
2. Go to sleep only when you're tired (but still wake up the same time, no matter how much sleep you got)
3. Keep basic sleep hygiene (no coffee, alcohol or sports a few hours before sleep, don't use sleeping area for other activities, cool temperature in sleeping area, no screens).

The book "No More Sleepless Nights" by Peter Hauri is mentioned here, so maybe it's worth checking it out.

Nothing new, but a nice summary.

Helpful Information

Practical insights into the science of sleep and ways to enjoy good sleep. I'm in my 70s and use good sleep habits, but picked up some useful tips from this. Reading is well-paced and narrator has an excellent voice.