66 pages 2 hours read

Robert M. Sapolsky

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: A Guide to Stress, Stress Related Diseases, and Coping

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1993

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky examines the impact of chronic stress on human health through an interdisciplinary lens, detailing the biological stress-response and its role in facilitating stress-related diseases. By exploring psychological and social stressors, Sapolsky discusses individual variability in stress responses, the link between stress and diseases like cardiovascular issues and diabetes, and suggests strategies for stress management, such as exercise, meditation, and social support. Topics include reproductive health issues, Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, and severe stress-related conditions like stress dwarfism.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Sapolsky's Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers is praised for its insightful exploration of stress and its impacts on health, blending humor with accessible science. Critics appreciate its thorough research and clear explanations. However, some find its dense information occasionally overwhelming. Suitable for both laypersons and experts, it's a thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers?

Readers who enjoy Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky are typically curious about the intersection of biology, psychology, and stress. They likely appreciate the accessible scientific insights found in works like The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Psychology

Science / Nature

Health / Medicine

Genre

Self Help

Psychology

Themes

Identity: Mental Health

Society: Economics

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger