Jan 20, 20236 min read

The 6 Best Sleep Books

Updated: Feb 20, 2023

It all starts with sleep...

Introduction:

There are plenty of self development books out there that promise to change your life and help you find happiness.

While these might work for some people, I find the majority to be repetitive and a bit cliche.

However, when it comes to sleep books, there isn't many things on par with the time, energy, personal growth and success it can create in your life.

Still, I hear a lot of questions like "What to read when I can't sleep?" or "How can I fall asleep quickly?"; so I created a list of the best books that will optimise your sleep routine, help you sleep smarter, and become more focused and energised throughout the day.

Each one has its own unique qualities, such as useful tips and practical tools that can suit different people to fit their own needs.

1. "Sleep" by Nick Littlehales

In his best-selling book "Sleep", Nick Littlehales' draws on his extensive experience as a sleep coach for elite athletes and teams to provide a comprehensive overview of the science of sleep and its impact on performance.

The author covers a wide range of topics, offering practical tips and strategies for optimizing sleep, including recommendations for sleep-promoting supplements, sleep-friendly environments, and sleep-enhancing practices.

Littlehales also includes useful knowledge about the biology of sleep, and its role in recovery and injury prevention.

With a clear and engaging writing style, "Sleep" is an informative and valuable read for anyone looking to fix their sleep schedule and improve their performance.

Click here for book (Pages: 208)

2. "Why we sleep" by Matthew Walker

"Why we sleep" is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the science of sleep, and provides a wealth of information on the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being.

Walker delves into the latest research on sleep, and he explains how sleep affects everything from our ability to learn and remember, to our physical and mental health.

He also offers practical advice for optimizing sleep, including tips for establishing good sleep habits, and the best ways to deal with insomnia and other sleep disorders.

With interesting facts such as 'not getting enough sleep increases sweet and salty cravings by 30-40%', this read promises to keep you engaged and informed simultaneously.

Overall, "Why We Sleep" is a valuable and informative read for anyone looking to sky-rocket their sleep routine, as well as their overall health and well-being.

Find Walker's book here (Pages: 368)

Informative podcast including the information covered in the book

3. 'It All Starts With Sleep' by E. S. Longevity

In this short and concise read, Longevity has created a comprehensive guide to help optimise your circadian rhythm and fall asleep easily every night.

By learning simple daily habits that anyone can implement, you can begin to sky-rocket your sleep quality and efficiency using light, temperature, naps, sleep cycles, and sleeping positions.

He also provides a range of holistic approaches to sleep, including a chapter on the importance of mindfulness and stress management, as well as when to eat and exercise in order to achieve better sleep and nod off quicker.

With its easily applicable tools and easy to read style, "It All Starts with Sleep" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their sleep and overall health.

This E-book is especially suited to people leading busy lives looking for instant results.

Get the E-book here (Pages: 36)

"The average person will spend just under 230'000 hours of their lifetime sleeping - typically a third of a person's life...

We give up so much of our life to sleep...

It’s time you got it right."

4. 'How To Sleep Well' by Neil Stanley

Neil Stanley's book How To Sleep Well covers a wide range of topics including sleep hygiene, common sleep disorders and their causes, and practical tips for better sleep.

The book is well-researched and easy to understand, making it accessible to both laypeople and experts.

It provides interesting information about the importance of sleep, followed by actionable advice that can help readers identify and overcome their sleep problems. The captivating 'problem-solution' structure makes it an engaging, enjoyable read.

With the knowledge and tools provided in this book, readers can finally say goodbye to sleepless nights and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

"How To Sleep Well" is a must-read for anyone looking to finally take control of their sleep.

Find the book here (Pages: 248)

5. 'Sleep Smarter' by Shawn Stevenson

In Shawn Stevenson's ultimate guide to unlocking the power of sleep he delves into the latest scientific research on sleep and provides practical tips and strategies to help readers improve their sleep quality.

Stevenson's book covers '21 essential strategies to sleep your way to a better body, better health and bigger success', including easy tips and tricks that anyone can apply to their life.

With his 14-Day Sleep Makeover, you'll learn how to create the perfect sleep environment, how to use sunlight to optimise your circadian rhythm, which sleep nutrients and supplements are recommended, and stress-reduction exercises and fitness tips to boost your sleep at night.

"Better Sleep, Better You helps you create a personalised sleep plan, including a ten-day reset that you can put into practice to work for your lifestyle and needs".

'Sleep Smarter' is a great book for anyone looking to boost their sleep, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Find book on amazon here (288 pages)

Interesting sleep podcast

6. 'Better Sleep, Better You' by Frank Lipman & Neil Parikh

Lipman and Parikh understand that there's no such thing as a one-sleep-fits-all solution.

This comprehensive book delves into the latest scientific research on sleep and provides practical tips and strategies on all the factors that can affect sleep - including when and how you eat, use technology and handle stress.

Better Sleep, Better You allows you to create a personalised sleep plan, including a ten-day reset that you can put into practice to work for your lifestyle and needs.

With the knowledge and tools provided in this book, you will walk away with everything you need to optimise sleep, increase productivity and become a better you.

Read this book here (Pages: 256)

Dr Frank Lipman's website

FAQs

What kind of books should I read before bed?

If you want some books to help you relax, take your mind off the chaos of the day and disconnect from technology, here are a few great choices.

A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming by Dylan Tuccillo
Life on Mars by Jennifer Brown
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

As an add on: what better books to read before bed than ones that improve your sleep. So I'd also recommend the 6 books included in this article, not only to learn how to sleep better, but to also help you relax and wind down.

How can I sleep smarter?

Sleeping in 90-minute cycles is a method that aims to increase the efficiency of sleep by viewing sleep in cycles, instead of the typical block of an 8 hour chunk.

You can also sleep smarter by taking naps that last 90 minutes, individuals may be able to optimize their circadian rhythm, and feel more alert and refreshed throughout the day. It is recommended to not exceed 90 minutes if napping during the day, otherwise your sleep that night will likely be disrupted.

How to fall asleep quickly?

In the insightful E-book 'It All Starts With Sleep', E. S. Longevity provides 3 life-changing methods to fall asleep quicker every night.

Reduce bright, overhead lights at least two hours before you intend to fall asleep - and definitely in the hours between 10 pm to 4 am if possible. Swap these for dim, warm lights to ensure melatonin is not supressed.
Cool our core temperature down to feel sleepy. This can be done by opening windows in your room or putting air-con/fans on. Another way is by having a warm shower 1-2 hours before sleep, which triggers the body into cooling the core down.
Limit blue light from TV and phone screens. This can be as simple as turning them off completely but, for most people, this can be offset by reducing the brightness and switching to 'orange' or 'night-shift mode'.

What are the benefits of better sleep?

The benefits of better sleep are increased energy and productivity, as well as mental well-being. Good sleep is essential for proper healing and repair for the body, and maintains a healthy hormone balance for optimal physical health and reduced stress.

Other books for sleep

Other resources on sleep

Ted Talks Sleep: https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_sleep_is_your_superpower?language=en https://www.ted.com/topics/sleep https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_6_tips_for_better_sleep?language=en

Self improvement books

Think And Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
Can't Hurt Me - David Goggins
Own The Day, Own Your Life - Aubrey Marcus
Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself - Joe Dispenza
The 4 Hour Work Week - Tim Ferris*
Atomic Habits - James Clear
12 Rules For Life - Jordan Peterson