Author:Matthew Walker
'Astonishing . . . an amazing book . . . absolutely chocker full of things that we need to know' Chris Evans
'Matthew Walker is probably one of the most influential people on the planet' Evening Standard
THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
TLS, OBSERVER, SUNDAY TIMES, FT, GUARDIAN, DAILY MAIL AND EVENING STANDARD BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2017
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our life, health and longevity and yet it is increasingly neglected in twenty-first-century society, with devastating consequences: every major disease in the developed world - Alzheimer's, cancer, obesity, diabetes - has very strong causal links to deficient sleep.
In this book, the first of its kind written by a scientific expert, Professor Matthew Walker explores twenty years of cutting-edge research to solve the mystery of why sleep matters. Looking at creatures from across the animal kingdom as well as major human studies, Why We Sleep delves into everything from what really happens during REM sleep to how caffeine and alcohol affect sleep and why our sleep patterns change across a lifetime, transforming our appreciation of the extraordinary phenomenon that safeguards our existence.
'Startling, vital ... a life-raft' Guardian
'A top sleep scientist argues that sleep is more important for our health than diet or exercise' The Times
'Passionate, urgent . . . it had a powerful effect on me' Observer
A neuroscientist shows how a good night's shut-eye can make us cleverer, more attractive, slimmer, happier, healthier and ward off cancer . . . it's probably a little too soon to tell you that it saved my life, but it's been an eye-opener
—— Mark O'Connell , GuardianPassionate, urgent . . . it had a powerful effect on me
—— Rachel Cooke , ObserverAn important and fascinating book
—— Bill GatesCompelling and utterly convincing . . . you'll never think of your bedtime in the same way again
—— James McConnachie , Sunday TimesA stimulating and important book . . . richly packed with science
—— Clive Cookson , Financial TimesUplifting . . . Walker is in love with sleep and wants us to fall in love with sleep, too
—— David Kamp , New York TimesMatthew Walker is probably one of the most influential people on the planet
—— Katie Law , Evening StandardAstonishing . . . an amazing book . . . absolutely chocker full of things that we need to know
—— Chris EvansAmazing . . . I'm obsessed with this book
—— Thom YorkeAn essential book... Part sociological polemic and part self-help book, it zones in on some of the issues that disproportionately affect the gay community, from depression and anxiety to drug and alcohol addiction and body and eating disorders. I found myself both deeply upset and hugely relieved by its candour. After reading the book, tender as it is, you can’t help but want to share your own experiences. Consider Straight Jacket a call to arms.
—— Independent (i)Matthew Todd thought he had long since dealt with the demons surrounding his sexuality. In [his] new book, he reveals the crisis of shame facing the gay community – and how to solve it.
—— The ObserverStraight Jacket is a really brilliant and moving read for everybody, especially LGBTQ+ people. Thanks Matthew.
—— Years and Years singer Olly AlexanderStraight Jacket documents Todd’s own childhood experiences, and the long-term mental health and addiction issues he has suffered; he is also using it to call for a government inquiry into the experiences of LGBT children at school.
—— GuardianThere are some uncomfortable and downright terrifying truths in Todd’s brilliant, essential new book... It’s difficult to underestimate the importance of Straight Jacket. It’s fundamentally a call to arms, a wide-ranging, desperately heartfelt cri de coeur… The gay community needs to look at ways of taking better care of itself, being nicer to each other and offering and providing support when it’s needed.
—— Gay Community News, DublinCannot put it down… a book like this is long overdue.
—— Charlie CondouAn honest and perceptive book.
—— Sunday ExpressA smashing book.
—— Paul O'GradyExcellent… A valuable contribution to mental health and a must read.
—— Dr Christian JessenIt’s an important book. I had to read it right through. It tackles some tough issues and is searingly honest
—— Lorraine KellyI got so much out of that book and I know a lot of people have. It’s helping a lot of people. It’s a bible.
—— Performance artist David HoyleI’m about to read Straight Jacket for a second time. Brilliant, important, inspiring, brave.
—— Rucomingout.com's Wayne DhesiAn honest insight into LGBTQ life that everybody should be enlightened about regardless of sexuality.
—— Rylan Clark-NealThis powerful book, I believe, will save lives. I’d like to see every gay man read this.
—— Juno Dawson , The GuardianA superb book… Have read it twice now.
—— Oliver Thring, Times journalistThe book we should all be talking about.
—— Prowler magazineThank you for writing this book. It is a must read.
—— Activist Bisi AlimiOne of the best books we have ever read. Honest, thought provoking and much needed.
—— Q Scene magazineFinally started to read Straight Jacket. I’m already blown away. An incredibly honest and insightful read. Bravo Matthew.
—— Journalist Tom KnightThis book should have been written a long time ago, but it wasn't...Everyone, no matter what their background, will benefit from reading this book. A much-needed and healing work of tough love, written with love.
—— John GrantA sensitive subject, brilliantly and intelligently handled.
—— Evan DavisAn excoriating book, Straight Jacket: How to be Gay and Happy delves into contemporary gay culture to address a plethora of issues gay people continue to face in 2016.
—— AttitudeInsightful, inclusive, clever and engaging
—— Jeremy Langmead