Why We Sleep

Do you believe you are getting enough sleep? How do you know if you are getting enough sleep? Would Walker agree with your self-assessment? 

Are dreams by-products of REM-sleep? How does the brain generate dreams? What are the functions of dreams? Do you think it is fair to judge an individual based on what they are dreaming about, even though they are not consciously creating their dreams?

Select three of the five human-engineered factors that are responsible for sleep loss in humans and explain how each disrupts a good night’s sleep.

Walker argues that “insufficient sleep is impacting the fabric of human society” (297). What empirical claims does Walker provide for this position? Do you find his argument convincing?

Which of the interventions described in Chapter 16 is the most important for combating “our collective sleeplessness” (324)? Do you think it is realistic for humans to reunite with sleep?

Walker discusses several research studies in animals that have provided definitive evidence of the dire and sometimes deadly consequences of sleep deprivation. In your view, does the knowledge gained from these studies outweigh the harm done to the animals? How would Walker respond to your argument?

Why does Walker consider sleeping pills the most misunderstood of all sleep aids? Why do you think the public remains unaware of this claim?

Is sleep loss bad for humans? Why, or why not? How would Walker respond to your argument?