The Promise of Sleep

Archival Summary & Scope

Healthful sleep is empirically proven to be the single most important factor for longevity, surpassing diet, exercise, and heredity. Yet, society often ignores sleep's critical role, leading to widespread deprivation. Dr. William Dement, founder and director of the Stanford University Sleep Research Center and a pioneer in sleep science, reveals the profound impact of sleep on our well-being. He explains what happens to our body and mind when we sleep—and when we don't—detailing the hidden costs of sleep deprivation, including an epidemic of heart disease, 33% of traffic-fatigue-related accidents, and significant mental and psychological disadvantages. Dement provides a hands-on program for vibrant health and longevity, featuring self-tests to determine sleep needs; information on prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids; the latest research on sleep and the immune system; methods for combating insomnia, snoring, and jet lag; plus resources on sleep disorder clinics and websites.