Matthew Walker writes popular science about sleep, circadian rhythms and the effects of sleep loss on memory, mood, physical health and performance. Why We Sleep explains sleep stages, dreaming and the biological clock before moving into practical questions about caffeine, alcohol, shift work, ageing and school or workplace schedules. The book is written for general readers rather than as a clinical manual, using neuroscience and laboratory findings to argue that sleep should be treated as a basic part of health rather than spare time. Walker's style is explanatory and urgent, with memorable examples designed to make research accessible. His work fits popular neuroscience, sleep science and health non-fiction, particularly for readers interested in how everyday routines interact with cognition and wellbeing. Some quantitative claims in the book have been debated, so readers seeking medical guidance may want to consult current clinical sources alongside it. Read more Less