One way to improve your sleep? Imitate the habits of hunter-gatherers
Anthropologist David Samson explores the evolutionary history of human sleep, suggesting that humans evolved to be shorter, more flexible sleepers compared to other primates. He argues that these habits were essential for human innovation and survival.
Why it matters
Understanding evolutionary sleep patterns provides a scientific perspective on modern sleep deprivation and potential strategies for better health.
Author David Samson has climbed trees to study chimpanzee nests in his quest to understand how human sleep evolved. - Bill McGrew Experts advise that adults should sleep for around eight uninterrupted hours in a cool, dark room. If you do so consistently, they say, you can add years to your life.
The article is a scientific summary of a book and an interview with an academic.
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