The best Neuroscience eBooks: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I'm reading the book "Why We Sleep" and it's seriously scary how important sleep is yet how little people get, and how socially acceptable that is.

Thankfully, it's been the catalyst for me going to bed earlier and making sure to get 8 hours minimum, and I'm feeling pretty good.

I agree. However decriminalization is only a half measure unfortunately. Sure it's a good starting point because people need to be treated instead of punished but decrim only addresses some of the issues. Full legalization of all drugs will allow drug users to be safe through regulation and research. It will also significantly decrease gang violence and reduce police budgets required in order to keep track of these gangs distributing these drugs, which those monies saved could be applied elsewhere in the budget (just think about how much is spent to control drugs).

I know it seems radical to legalize but I urge you to read Dr. Carl Hart's book called Drug Use for Grown Ups. Dr. Carl Hart was the former Chair of Psychology Dept at Columbia and now leads research at Columbia on illicit drugs. He has now come out as a frequent heroin user (insufflation not injection) and argues that all recreational drugs can not only be safe to use but do actually have some positive attributes. Again I know it seems radical but I urge you to read his book or purchase the audio book version.

Consider this: most drug overdoses happen because either the drug user was not taking the drug they believed to have purchased because it had additives in it (such as fentanyl in heroin) or because they were uneducated on taking a depressant (such as alcohol or a benzodiazepine) with an opioid (such as heroin or pain medication). These combinations are deadly because it slows body functions down to a critical level.

If we accept that there will always be drug users and that we will never eradicate drug use, then we need to make it legal for people to buy these drugs safely through regulation, education and research.

I accept all the downvotes ha. Again, I realize how this can be viewed as counterintuitive to solving the opioid crisis but I believe in the long run it will lead to a healthier society.

As years go by, some things fade and some things sharpen. I hope you seek ways to help hurtful words fade and memories of fellowship sharpen instead of the other way around. There's a non-spiritual book called Buddha's Brain that is a quick easy read to get a person equipped with some skills of living with the stuff you live with. I hope you check it out.

There is a Columbia professor who is arguing for legalizing all drugs, including heroin.

https://www.amazon.com/Drug-Use-Grown-Ups-Chasing-Liberty-ebook/dp/B088QLTSQN

I don't agree with his argument, but I do think there is a good argument for broader decriminalization.

> Isn't that stuff basically meth?

Granted, meth is actually pretty safe in normal doses. According to Dr. Carl Hart (who admits to using meth regularly and safely... I think around 20mg with no issues) the toothless meth addicts in the streets apparently use 10x-20x the recommended dose.

2-FMA, MDMA, Adderall are all related to meth, but has less social stigma because it's done by wealthier individuals.

Lunesta really should be doing something for you. My suspicion is that you started with too low a dose for the problem you're facing. Zquil and trazodone make you groggy all day; I wouldn't recommend those. I think the most effective medicine is zaleplon though.

Don't drink caffeine at all. Some will say avoid it in the afternoons. But it really persists in your system. If you have anxiety problems, the caffeine will keep you up long after the lift you felt is gone.

Keep in mind that there are two types of anxiety. One is conscious, the other is unconscious. You can have both at the same time. CBTi is best for the conscious type, though it may ultimately burrow down to your subconscious. Exercise or saunas work pretty well on the unconscious type, though by the time it keeps you up at night, it's a little late to go exercising.

Some foods can disturb sleep. Alcohol is terrible; it always wakes me up after a short time asleep. High carb foods will also wake me up if I've eaten them for dinner. Ice cream, who knows why, will create a very buzzy feeling that is very close to that created by my unconscious anxiety.

Take a look at this book. It does a good job at defining anxiety.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QG5SW58/

Also, daylight synchronization is important. Daylight helps your body time its melatonin pulse which contributes to the feeling of needing to sleep. Dawn is the most powerful time of day to reinforce daylight synchronization. The human eye is particularly sensitive to picking up daylight signals at that time.

I know getting up in the morning is awful. I too became a night owl as an adult. But now I realize that playing to my tendency to stay up late is not helpful.

I'd highly recommend this book if you want to see actual data (plus lots of fun anecdotes) from an addiction researcher who came to find that most of what we've been taught about so-called hard drugs is false.

https://www.amazon.com/Drug-Use-Grown-Ups-Chasing-Liberty-ebook/dp/B088QLTSQN

Currently reading "How Emotions Are Made" by Lisa Feldman Barrett. It's a bit weighty (more a textbook than a self-help guide so far) but she has an interesting theory that we construct emotions from physical sensations and prediction, not inherent prototypes.

Mad In America

Might check this site out. As someone who has worked in the mental health field, I've seen patients struggle with this but it's doable. I believe there are some people who need them (but it's a WAY smaller percentage than what is on them). It can take quite a long time (weeks to years) because these medicines alter your brain chemistry. And as someone else has mentioned it does depend on what you've taken, and how much. Your brain is highly adaptive though. Best advice I would have is be patient with yourself, stay positive, and know it does get better.

If Abilify at those doses is all you've taken, I have high hopes your mind will clear up. Maybe start with simple brain exercises like puzzle games. Something to help calm, check out some of the free meditation videos that's all over the place. I don't like ones where people are talking but the music ones.

Stroke of Insight

This book isn't about antipsychotic use, but a physician who had a stroke and how she recovered from it and the power of positive thinking.

Good luck to you and don't give up!

Edited: forgot the book link. https://www.amazon.com/Rewire-Your-Anxious-Brain-Neuroscience-ebook/dp/B00QG5SW58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537210835&sr=8-1&keywords=rewiring+your+anxious+brain This book has some great exercises, it's helped me a lot and I highly recommend. Also just plain meditating. Research has shown it can shrink the amygdala by up to 30%! I use this app to help me meditate: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app?__hstc=249974297.341d0a87cecde931187b544fed73e3bf.1536192003170.1536192003171.1536192003172.1&__hssc=249974297.2.1536192003173&__hsfp=2025384311

Not exactly the same since it's more about a temporary abatement than a "cure" but you'd probably find this interesting: https://www.amazon.com/Switched-Memoir-Change-Emotional-Awakening-ebook/dp/B00RKO6N1Y

Personally after reading the book my thoughts are mostly that it would make me miserable.

That's awesome, I love your commitment and drive. It's contagious.

If you're really committed to rewiring your brain, the best book I ever read on neuroplasticity and how the rewiring process works isThe Brain That Changes Itself.

That and Dopamine Nation have both been really instrumental in giving me the mental, moral, and intellectual certitude to keep progressing on this path.

You might really enjoy Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson if you're interested in the neuroscientific aspect.

Another really good one (that covers a lot of ground) is Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment by Robert Wright

Obviously, these are written from a Buddhist perspective and don't use the same language as Eckhart Tolle does, but as a practicing Buddhist, both of the roads are headed straight for Rome. Neither of these books require a lot of Buddhist background/knowledge either - they're both very interesting (and helpful) reads, in my opinion.

https://www.amazon.com/Drug-Use-Grown-Ups-Chasing-Liberty-ebook/dp/B088QLTSQN

Those drugs are more tenuous to have a responsible relationship with but it's not impossible. The guy that wrote this book is a professor that does both of those responsibly.

The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books) https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B000QCTNIW/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_56N48Z3TBRK0RP71XZDP

I agree. I’m not an expert or anything but I’ve read a decent amount on stoicism and the disconnect between the adjective and philosophy is vast.

I partly think it’s because the person who is going through the stoic process looks the same as the guy who is overwhelmed with life but was told above al else to never cry. Their reactions and internal dialogue is not at all similar, but outside observers can’t tell.

It’s also connected to a lot of emerging research about how emotions are created, and don’t just emerge from your biology as a reaction to experiences. Telling a boy that “boys don’t cry” is not a going to develop healthy coping mechanisms, but learning that you can work to change your response to triggering events is liberating to some and anathema to others.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Emotions-Are-Made-Secret-ebook/dp/B00QPHURT6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=56108852095&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzM2yw9XD9QIV2_LjBx0OkAYxEAAYAiAAEgKwOvD_BwE&hvadid=274707800858&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9002578&hvnetw=g&...

Eu din pacate o iau mai pe varianta de pirating. Descarc cartile de pe z-lib.org si le dau convert folosind pdf2kindle.com . Pentru studenti recomand, dar daca iti permiti poti cumpara cartea pentru Kindle de aici https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams-ebook/dp/B06ZZ1YGJ5

You have so much to research about drug use and it's effects on the body before you can even begin to answer this question. You need to passively absorb some of the huge amounts of information that are out there if you want to understand what's going on.

For some information and an argument in favor, you could try reading Dr. Carl Hart's book https://www.amazon.com/Drug-Use-Grown-Ups-Chasing-Liberty-ebook/dp/B088QLTSQN

"If drugs/chemicals are fatal" What?

Tocno tako.

Ena zanimiva, ravno prebrana.. https://www.amazon.com/Drug-Use-Grown-Ups-Chasing-Liberty-ebook/dp/B088QLTSQN

Thank you sweetie.

You don't think sobriety is just a little bit over rated? I mean, imagine a world without any drugs, not even alcohol. How fun would that be?

We'd all be tweaking for chocolate bars I guess.

I think there's something in our nature that drives us to alter our consciousness. It's truly a part of being human. Have you read any ofProfessor Carl Hart's books?

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No. If anyone wants to understand the psychology behind beliefs in conspiracy theories, astrology, occultism, mysticism, spirituality, religions, etc., etc. - I recommend reading this book:

The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies---How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths, Shermer, Michael - Amazon.com

Sleeping only 2 hours is definitely not safe. Not that I haven't done it, but someone like Matthew Walker, Ph.D would tell you (and me) that it's a terrible idea.

And, in my experience, it does catch up with you rather quickly, to the point where Adderall will not make up for it.

Existing in total darkness has been studied. Google studies on Josie Laures and Antoine Senni.

In any case, a clock won't really make any real difference. Changing the lighting cycles might.

Sleep is governed by relatively unrelated two factors. Circadian rhythm and adenosine/melatonin. Circadian rhythm is relatively stable though subject to light clues for adjustment. Melatonin is, I believe, very light sensitive. Adenosine is purely a metabolism thing.

Ultimately, sleep has very important restorative affects. Studies show that after even 24 hours of sleep deprivation, you have cognitive deficits similar to a drunk person (studies were done for driving safety). These deficits accumulate (I don't remember if linearly or geometrically) until you reach a point (48-72 in) where you microsleep. If I remember, studies beyond 72 hours were considered too dangerous.

These studies were remarkably similar across all populations except - if I remember - for a very tiny group with certain gene mutations.

An excellent lay reference is Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

You should read My stroke of Insight. It's a brain doctors struggles of having gone through a stroke alone and then coming back after

If I were you I'd read this. Great book with tons of studies cited. You can look through hundreds of studies on sleep.

https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams-ebook/dp/B06ZZ1YGJ5

If you can't spare the time or the money there's also a free 2-hour podcast with Dr. Peter Attia where Dr. Walker goes over the research. They're both pretty good on talking about what conclusions are supported by research.

My opinion is honestly pretty useless because I am not a sleep expert. So I've researched and adopted the opinion of an expert, which actually has value. This is IMO a great way to live a life where you can't be an expert on everything.

That's all I'm going to suggest for you. You seem like the kind of person who's stubborn and arrogant despite no scientific knowledge. Are you an expert on sleep science? Are you a PhD, doctor, or even a graduate in medical science of any kind? Unless you're an expert on sleep science, go read a sleep scientist expert. It's not my job to hold your hand and educate you with a thorough list of sources when there are actual experts out there.

How I feel has nothing to do with it, because I've done the research and I "feel" indifferent on whether you believe me. Show yourself the research or die young. I wish you the best as a fellow human, but I've already spent more time dealing with your uninformed opinion that I care to. Good luck, gonna ignore you from now on. As a general bit of advice, though, if you're not an expert go read an expert before weighing in with your opinion. Your very narrow sliver of knowledge on a topic might seem super important to you, but unless you have real knowledge you're just noise and another person with a meaningless opinion.

I think this answer is different for people of different ages and states of physical health, but I know for myself -- a 49-year old male -- sleep comes first. If I try to sacrifice sleep to have more time for work, I end up being not as alert or attentive as I normally would and my brain just doesn't function as well, so the time gained by sacrificing sleep is just wasted, and I would have gotten more done (and made fewer mistakes doing it) if I'd slept more.

There is a lot of good science that shows if you are sleep deprived, basically everything about your physical and mental health goes down the tubes very rapidly. I highly recommend the book <u>Why We Sleep</u> by Matthew Walker which goes into terrifying detail about the importance of getting at least 6 hours of sleep each night.

That said, it's also not the case that the more sleep you get, the better you function. Some people (like my 16-year old daughter) want to sleep all the time and it doesn't make them more productive. So while 6 hours seems to be the baseline, anything beyond that I think you have to find the balance that works for you.

I think current research shows melatonin has little effect unless you're jetlagged and need to normalize your schedule. Heard it on Joe rogan podcast with Matthew Walker,

a scientist dedicated to studying sleep who wrote why we sleep

Well, I can see two ways to approach this. One is to find the best, most involved and interactive partner possible and practice being romantic and having sexy times with them as much as possible, relaxing and being in the moment as much as possible until it just feels as natural as it's going to. Maybe it will cross over to the feeling like, and actually being, a live horse. Or the next best thing, knowing one got as close as one can.

Alternatively, maybe it just never happens and that's just how it is. Perhaps that's just part of what the spectrum is and does, and one feels a little disappointed but comes to terms with it. A little like someone with paralyzed legs saying "But I want legs that can move!" I bet they do, but it might not be possible and people can and do have good lives anyway. (That's a bit extreme as an analogy.)

Well. Thirdly, there might possibly be medical intervention options. There is a book called Switched On about a guy who felt flatter and less emotionally present than he wanted to. He tried an intervention called TMI, Transcranial Magnetic somethingerother that can help neurons grow and... it worked, a lot happened. He became more emotional an involved (and had vivid hallucinations for a while and much more). I'm not all the way through, but it's apparently a mixed blessing, the emotions came with pros and cons.

So! Multiple choice, choose your own adventure.

https://www.amazon.com/Switched-Memoir-Change-Emotional-Awakening-ebook/dp/B00RKO6N1Y/ref=sr_1_1

Get this book

I would seriously do your best to seek professional help. It is great to hear advice from people on the internet, but when you are feeling that low, there is a major imbalance in your brains chemistry.