"When it comes to health, there is one criminally overlooked element: sleep." A good night's sleep is inestimable to our neuropsychological functioning. Good sleep as Marrhew Walker (see his book below) stated is integral to the consolidation of our memories and helps in better retention of learned information. Citing several scientific studies, Walker empirically demonstrated the importance of sleep to the learning process. Students who sleep better are found to be more likely to academically achieve better and retain information at an increased rate than those who do not. In short, sleep is an important element in our overall wellness. As Walker contends the trio that underly good health is exercise, diet and sleep but not any kind of sleep, it is the nocturnal sustained good sleep.
The purpose of this post is to highlight the importance of good sleep for us teachers, educators, and also students. To this end, I curated for you this list of excellent reads that explain in an accessible scientific language why we need to reconsider why, how, and when we sleep. I have already read the first three titles, or better listened to their audio version on Audible, the last book is on my to-read list. Whether you sleep the normal nightly hours or not, the books are packed full of interesting facts and insightful ideas on the centrality of sleep in our life. You and your students will absolutely learn a great deal from them.
Please note the links below are Amazon affiliate links.
1- Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to A Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success, by Shawn Stevenson
"In Sleep Smarter, Stevenson shares easy tips and tricks to discover the best sleep and best health of your life. With his 14-Day Sleep Makeover, you’ll learn how to create the ideal sleep sanctuary, how to hack sunlight to regulate your circadian rhythms, which clinically proven sleep nutrients and supplements you need, and stress-reduction exercises and fitness tips to keep you mentally and physically sharp."
2- Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, by Matthew Walker
3- The Circadian Code: Lose Weight, Supercharge Your Energy, and Transform Your Health from Morning to Midnight, by Satchin Panda
4- The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It, by W, Chris Winter