Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

As I was reading this, I was thinking to myself that this should be compulsory material for schools. Then the author hit upon that very point towards the end of the book. He talked about how school pupils surveyed responded that they had learned about sex, about nutrition, about general health and exercise but NOT about the importance of sleep.

I can see me buying this book for people as gifts. In fact, I'm going to do just that today for my wife. Then there will be a hardcopy round the house for me to dip into as well.

The Audible version is very well narrated: easy to follow and a pleasant voice to listen to.

12 Tips for Better Sleep from the Appendix:

1. Sleep schedule. Set a bedtime alarm.
2. Exercise not too late in the day.
3. Avoid caffeine and nicotine. It can take 8 hours for caffeine to leave your body.
4. Avoid alcohol before bed. It robs you of REM sleep.
5. Avoid large meals late at night.
6. Avoid medicines that delay your sleep.
7. Don't nap after 3pm.
8. Relax before bed.
9. Take a hot bath before bed to reduce your core temperature.
10. Dark bedroom, cool bedroom, gadget-free bedroom.
11. Get exposure to daylight through the day.
12. Don't lie in bed awake. Get up after having been awake for 20 minutes.