Nodding Off: The Science of Sleep from Cradle to Grave

Nodding Off: The Science of Sleep from Cradle to Grave by Alice Gregory

Sleep is important. It is also not well understood. At different ages, we need different amounts of sleep. We also have a circadian rhythm that does not quite match the length of the day. Luckily, we use cues, such as sunlight to help judge when to sleep. Unlikely, artificial lights messes with us. Learning and idea consolidation takes place in sleep. Sleep may help prevent aging. Teens tend to have their clock shifted later. Young adults then tend to have the clock shifted back. 

There are different stages of sleep and different types of sleep disorders. Bodily movements are usually shut down during sleep. However, there are some conditions that lead to it not being shut down properly. Sleep apnea can make it difficult to sleep. We can force ourselves to go without sleep, however, it is not good. Are reaction and mental acuity are greatly diminished. Some people have gone long periods without sleeping, though it is difficult to understand what the precise limit is. Sometimes people can't sleep well simply because they worry about not being able to sleep. 

The book is well organized by age range, however, it is a bit verbose.