Sleep like a caveman?

Sleep like a caveman? - Are we sleep less than our ancestors did? Previous research that examined the primitive cultures geographically isolated, and further research where subjects lived without modern conveniences, suggest that sleep duration was reduced with the introduction of artificial lighting and other aspects of modern society.  

Public attention, however, a recent study has attracted called into question this belief.

The authors of this study analyzed the sleep duration and time in three geographically isolated tribes living in Africa and South America. They found that the average time for the members of each tribe has spent sleeping ranged from 5.7 to 7.1 hours per night, quite similar to reported sleep duration in most modern societies. In addition, the researchers suggest that these tribes, sleep and wakefulness are not related to the presence of environmental light and dark, but with changes in body temperature.

These claims are certainly controversial and contradicts previous research in this area. More studies are needed before we can confirm this theory. And other scientists have expressed reservations about the methods of research and design used in the study.

Whether or not these new results are correct will be a vigorous scientific debate. However, they should not be allowed to ignore the fact that 40% of US adults sleep less than seven hours per night self now recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and other professional organizations. Sixteen percent of us sleep less than six hours per night.  

Many studies show that the amount of sleep under 6 and possibly less than seven hours per night is associated with a decrease in physical and mental performance levels, increased rates of obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and premature death.

We sleep less than our ancestors is certainly interesting for anthropologists and scientists from sleep. However, it has little relevance to reverse the epidemic of sleep deprivation in the country. For much of the US population is not getting sleep is necessary for optimal health, we must continue to focus on why this is happening and find ways to reverse the trend.
By: Stuart Quan, MD