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Not a lot of people know this, but I recently graduated from university with an LLB, and I will soon be heading to law school.
One thing any law student, lawyer, or anyone in the legal profession will tell you is that your sleep schedule gets seriously messed up.
Those late nights, early mornings, and the constant stress of carrying so much responsibility really take a toll on your rest.
Five years after deciding to study law, I still can’t sleep for eight hours at a stretch and that’s very concerning when you think about it.
In the books listed in this post, I’ve included some very important reads that everyone should check out about sleep and rest.
Many of them explain how crucial proper sleep is for your brain and physical health.
But more importantly, they also share practical hacks for getting better sleep – not just more of it, but deeper, higher-quality rest overall.
Wild Nights by Benjamin Reiss
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your sleep, you’re not alone and this book totally gets it.
Wild Nights shows us that sleep hasn’t always looked like what we think it should: eight perfect hours, alone in a quiet room.
People used to sleep in shifts, with others, in noisy places and even in fields.
Benjamin Reiss takes us on a beautiful journey through time, and he shows us how sleep has changed over centuries, especially since the industrial age.
It’s comforting to know that sleep was once flexible, messy, and even shared.
I love how this book made me feel less stressed about sleeping right.
When you’re done reading, you’ll see that there isn’t just one perfect way to rest and that’s such a relief.
Sleep by Nick Littlehales
Nick Littlehales is the go-to guy for athletes who need to sleep better to perform better, and here, he’s sharing those same tips with us.
He explains how we can get amazing sleep just by understanding our natural sleep patterns and making small changes like switching up our bedding or adjusting when we rest.
It’s simple, practical, and makes you feel like better sleep is actually possible.
I really loved how encouraging it was, because honestly, sometimes I just want someone to tell me it’s okay to nap or skip the pressure of sleeping 8 hours straight.
Restful Sleep by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
This little book feels like a gentle hug.
Deepak Chopra uses wisdom from Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of healing, to help us find calm and rest.
He talks about how our minds affect our sleep – especially if we worry too much – and offers peaceful ways to ease into sleep.
You’ll learn how to spot what’s throwing you off balance and how to gently bring yourself back to rest.
This book made me feel seen, especially when I couldn’t sleep because my thoughts just wouldn’t stop.
It’s calming, spiritual, and full of small rituals that made sleep feel like a sacred, sweet gift again.
When Brains Dream by Antonio Zadra and Robert Stickgold
Ever wonder why we dream or what dreams even mean?
This book dives into all of that, and it does it in such an exciting, curious way.
The authors are dream scientists (how cool is that?) and they explain how our brains use dreams to solve problems, sort memories, and even help us heal.
I’ve always been fascinated by dreams, and this book made me feel like my brain is working hard for me – even when I’m asleep.
It’s packed with fun facts and aha moments, but still written like a friendly chat.
You’ll come away appreciating just how magical and helpful dreaming really is.
Sleepwalk With Me by Mike Birbiglia
Okay, this one is more funny and personal than scientific, but it’s such a joy to read.
Mike is a comedian, and in this memoir, he shares hilarious and heartfelt stories, including how sleepwalking has gotten him into very strange situations.
Some parts made me laugh out loud, others made me think about how personal and weird sleep can be.
It feels like reading a diary full of awkward sleep moments you never thought anyone else had.
It’s quirky, honest, and surprisingly comforting for those of us whose sleep isn’t picture-perfect.
Yoga for Better Sleep by Mark Stephens
If your body feels tense and your mind is buzzing when it’s time for bed, this book is like a gentle wind-down for your whole self.
Mark Stephens offers simple yoga poses, breathing exercises, and calming routines to help you fall asleep naturally.
You don’t need to be super flexible or experienced, because it’s totally beginner-friendly.
I love that the book has special tips for different stages of life, too, from kids to older adults.
Doing just a few of the poses made me feel more grounded and sleepy.
If you’ve ever wished for a softer, more peaceful bedtime routine, this book delivers.
Sharing the Covers by Dr. Wendy M. Troxel
Sleeping with someone else in the bed isn’t always easy – snoring, tossing, blanket-stealing, you name it.
Dr. Wendy Troxel understands all of that and more.
In this sweet and science-backed book, she gives couples tools to sleep better – together or apart.
I really loved how she talks about sleep as an important part of relationships, not just
something we do side by side. She even talks about sleep divorces in a thoughtful, judgment-free way.
Whether you’re in a relationship or thinking about one, this book is such a helpful and caring guide for keeping both your sleep and your connection strong.
The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of the Huffington Post, makes a powerful case for why we all need to take sleep more seriously and I couldn’t agree more.
We live in a world that rewards overworking and sleeping less, but this book gently calls us back to rest.
It’s filled with fascinating facts, personal stories, and strong science that shows how sleep affects everything – from our moods to our health to our relationships.
Reading this made me want to turn off my phone earlier and make sleep a priority.
I love how it feels like a pep talk from a wise friend who truly wants the best for us.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
This book completely changed how I think about sleep.
Matthew Walker is a sleep scientist, and he explains – so clearly! – how sleep helps us learn, keeps us healthy, and even protects us from serious illnesses.
I was amazed to find out just how much goes on while we sleep.
The book also includes easy tips for sleeping better, which I found really helpful.
It’s not a quick read, but it’s filled with kindness and care, and it makes you want to honor your sleep like it’s something sacred. Because it is.
It truly made me realize how much our bodies and minds need that deep, sweet rest.
The Secret World of Sleep by Penelope Lewis
Penelope Lewis shares all the ways sleep makes us smarter, more creative, and more emotionally balanced in this wonderful book.
I love how she explains that while we’re resting, our brain is busy helping us work through emotions and even solve problems.
It turns out sleeping on it is real!
What I appreciated most is how the book blends science with gentle encouragement.
The goal is not to get perfect sleep, but rather to appreciate the quiet magic that happens every night while we lie in bed.
It made me feel amazed by how clever and kind our brains really are.
You don’t need to be dealing with any sleep problems to read this.
I promise these books will gradually change the way you understand and approach rest and sleep
