On Sleep and Sleeplessness

What if sleep held the key to understanding consciousness itself? In On Sleep and Sleeplessness, Aristotle embarks on one of the earliest investigations into the nature of sleep, dreams, and awareness. Far from a mystical discussion, this work presents a scientific inquiry rooted in biology, anatomy, and psychology as they were understood in classical antiquity. What role does the heart play in rest? What happens to the senses during dreams? Why do all living beings-animals and humans alike-require sleep? And how does the soul remain active during slumber? These are the questions Aristotle confronts with clarity and brilliance. This modern translation brings Aristotle's voice into the present, making his observations on sleep and perception accessible to anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the mind and body. What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation: Aristotle's Theory of Sleep and Dreams - A logical explanation of what causes rest and how dreams form. The Biological Function of Sleep - Insights into sleep as a restorative natural process. A Window into Ancient Science - Learn how Aristotle's method of inquiry prefigured modern scientific analysis. Reflections on the Mind and Soul - Deep philosophical questions about consciousness, memory, and the human experience. Accessible, thought-provoking, and surprisingly relevant, On Sleep and Sleeplessness offers readers a timeless meditation on the mystery of being human-even while we sleep.