Getting a good night's sleep on a regular basis is essential to living a happy and healthy life, but why is it harder for some of us than others? How do our sleeping patterns change throughout our lives, and what are the long-term effects for bad sleepers? These are the types of questions that jump into every person's head while they toss and turn, unable to 'drop off'. Sleep is important to the way we learn, remember and forget, to how we feel about family and partners, as well as to our well-being and our mental and physical health. In fact, it is essential for life itself.

Nodding Off: Sleep from the Cradle to the Grave explores every aspect of sleep, from the different stages of sleep and how our sleeping patterns change throughout our lives to what happens when things go wrong and getting some shut-eye becomes more of a trial than a pleasure. In Nodding Off, renowned sleep researcher Alice Gregory takes the listener on a scientific journey though slumber. Using cutting-edge findings in the field, she tackles the big questions, such as:

• How do things that happen before we are even born affect our sleep?
• How do genes influence the way we sleep?
• What sleep problems should raise a red flag in children?
• What are the consequences of sleep problems in the elderly?

Most of us spend a large proportion of our lives asleep without ever thinking about why we do this. Nodding Off lifts the lid on this mysterious pasttime. It examines all of the biggest sleep secrets, and Professor Gregory provides solutions to some of the common sleep problems that people suffer throughout their lives.