Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping (Third Edition)

Robert M. Sapolsky's acclaimed guide explores the relationship between stress and disease. This third edition has been completely revised and updated, with over 225,000 copies in print. Sapolsky explains that modern illnesses—such as heart disease and cancer—develop through the slow accumulation of damage often triggered by stress. While animals resolve stress through fighting or fleeing, humans typically do not, leaving the stress response activated in our bodies over time. This prolonged activation causes or intensifies various physical and mental conditions, including depression, ulcers, colitis, and heart disease. This edition includes new chapters on how stress affects sleep and addiction, along with new insights into anxiety, personality disorder, and the role of spirituality in stress management. The book combines research with practical advice for controlling stress responses.