What does human evolution reveal about the way we sleep—and why do so many people struggle today? David R. Samson, associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at the University of Toronto, uncovers how our ancestors’ move from the safety of the forest canopy to more dangerous ground shaped the unique sleep patterns we follow today. These adaptations produced shorter, deeper, and more flexible sleep, supporting survival while freeing time for essential activities such as toolmaking, social interaction, and migration.
He examines how these patterns shaped the human brain, enabling advanced memory, fostering creativity, and contributing to human success, and explores modern sleep challenges, demonstrating how understanding this evolutionary heritage can improve health and well-being. Samson offers insights into how a fundamental yet overlooked aspect of human biology has shaped the evolutionary trajectory and continues to influence daily lives.
His book The Sleepless Ape: The Story of Sleep in Human Evolution(Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.
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