Sleep: Brief Books about Big Ideas

Tænkepauser #71

by Christine Parsons

A short but engaging analysis of why we sleep and how to improve our sleep hygiene. In Sleep, psychologist Christine Parsons lays out the benefits of sleeping for our bodies, minds, and societies. The negative effects of chronic sleep deprivation include correlations with Alzheimer's disease, relationship problems, and car crashes. To combat sleep deprivation, Parsons studies the effects of melatonin and caffeine and the importance of light and the circadian rhythm on the quality of our sleep. She provides helpful tricks, training, and therapy to overcome the most common obstacles to better sleep hygiene. Exploring different sleep styles and choices, Parsons assesses which ones work and which ones don't—helping lead us to a better night's rest. In Reflections, a series copublished with Denmark's Aarhus University Press, scholars deliver 60-page reflections on key concepts. These books present unique insights on a wide range of topics that entertain and enlighten readers with exciting discoveries and new perspectives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Audiobook

60 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Cherisevanegten · Rating 4 out of 5]

The circadian rhythm - circa ‘around’ and dies ‘day’- determines your sleep and awake schedule throughout 24 hours. Almost every living being has a circadian rhythm. Some of them, derelict them (human), try to ‘hack them (again human) and even try to understand them (…human)

Parsons takes us- in this novel- on a journey through the benefits and effects of neglect of sleep. The theory is validated by scientific research, which she includes in the story.
(Although I believe scientific research only can be disproven, never be proven right. I have to believe what she tells is the ‘truth’)

Parsons also give some helpful tricks, training and therapy for a better sleep hygiene, which i think are really helpful.

[Lukas Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Very informative and easy to read. Got a lot of tips despite already knowing a fair amount on the topic. Just don't read it before going to bed. It's kind of ironic, but you'll fall asleep in less than a minute. So, maybe, do read it at bedtime?

[Anne-Lisa Pedersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stikker i lidt for mange retninger i forhold til at søvnmangel er en folkesygdom.

[Anne-Lisa Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bog der giver et godt overblik over forskningen på området i øjeblikket. Det giver dog også et klart billede af, at der mangler både viden om søvnen og behandling af søvnforstyrelser.