5 books you need to read to revolutionise your sleep

Here in the UK, we're not very good at getting the right level of sleep — in fact, we're getting worse by the year. Around three-quarters of us (74%) don't get the minimum seven hours for healthy rest, up from 70% in 2013, according to the most recent Great British Bedtime Report.

Looking at these figures, it's clear that many people don't understand the impact that not getting enough sleep can have. If you feel like you need to learn more about sleep, the good news is that there is plenty of engaging material out there that can boost your understanding — including a few outstanding books that will do just that.

Below, we've put together a list of the five best sleep books to revolutionise your rest. Give them a read before bed and you'll even be able to put their advice straight into action!

A good all-rounder: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

When it comes to providing a vital overview of the importance of sleep, there's no better book than Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker.

Within this book's pages, you'll find informative answers to all the questions you have about getting a good night's rest, as well as plenty of insights into the power of sleep. What's more, everything is backed up with digestible evidence that really lays out the influence that snoozing has on our lives.

Why We Sleep is a compelling read that will likely leave you saying "wow" and "I had no idea" at its many revelations. As the director of UC Berkley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab, Walker really knows his stuff, and is also a great writer to boot. This is simply a must read.

Problem solving: The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It by Chris Winter

Do you suffer from sleep problems? Then you'll be pleased to hear that The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It is a book that is firmly fixed on helping you to overcome them. Dr Chris Winter aims to go further than quick tips and tricks you'll find in a lot of places, instead helping you to discover the root causes of the issue so that you can address them.

From your diet to the amount of light you're exposed to, this book explores the many potential sleep disruptors in our lives and provides helpful advice on how to remedy them. Dr Winter is an expert in guiding patients through the troubled waters of sleep disturbance, and his book will do the same with expertly designed guidance you can apply to your life.

Children's sleep: Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber

If you're a parent, you'll know that your child's sleep problems quickly become your own as you go through long nights of disturbed rest. Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Dr Richard Ferber was first published in 1985 and has since become a cornerstone of advice for sleep-deprived mothers and fathers. Many experts believe it is a must read for any parent.

The book provides an easy to follow how-to guide for proper sleep training. And, it not only addresses the behaviour of kids, but parents too, providing a complete guide to bedtime management. Though it's been around a while, the recent version is fully updated to include the latest research and advice about children's sleep.

Taking action: Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success by Shawn Stevenson

Looking for actionable advice that can make an immediate impact on your sleep pattern? Then you'll want to read Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson, which has plenty of strategies for improved rest right away. The book also explores the links between getting the right level of sleep and your overall health, with tips to boost both.

The sleep strategies discussed in Sleep Smarter cover almost every aspect of sleep, from optimising your nutrition to creating the perfect surrounds for rest. It has all the guidance you need to completely overhaul your current habits and replace them with a well-balanced approach.

The author, Shawn Stevenson, has an extensive background in biology and kinesiology, and has built a career helping people around the world to improve their sleep through the advice in his writing, podcasts, and talks. His sleep hacks are well thought out and backed by science, so you should definitely give them a try for yourself.

Sleep and society: The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time by Arianna Huffington

For those who are interested in the relationship between sleep and society, Arianna Huffington's The Sleep Revolution takes a deep dive into our attitude towards rest, as well as related issues like sleep medication, technology, and overworking. The book looks at how many factors are at odds with getting the right level sleep and looks at ways that society needs to change for the better.

This is all underpinned by a scientific and personal exploration of sleep from Huffington, taking into account the latest studies and innovations that could help us all to achieve a better quality of rest. The Sleep Revolution is also peppered with helpful tips and advice on how you can understand and improve your snoozing habits in both the short- and long-term.

Take a look at some of these fantastic books if you want to improve your understanding of sleep and get better rest. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions and be sure to check out our blog and advice centre for more expert sleep guidance.