This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Matthew Walker, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology and Founder and Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at UC Berkeley. This extensive conversation gives a clear and compelling picture of our recent understanding of sleep''s essential role in our daily lives, from reinforcing learning and memory to regulating emotion.This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Dreams of a Final Theory, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:I. Awakenings - From dementia to sleep, and now back againII. Stages of Sleep - Deconstructing sleep architectureIII. Parasomnias and Evolution - Getting it right, most of the timeIV. Learning and Memory - Three vital aspectsV. Sleeping Better? - Pharmacological effects and self-improvementVI. Emotional Regulation - How sleep helps keep us balancedVII. Sleep and Aging - Grappling with the inevitableVIII. Sleep Stigma - Lazy thinkingIX. Further Questions - Motivation, narcolepsy and vicious circlesX. Lots To Do - Outstanding mysteries and public educationAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.