The Art of Manliness Sleep Like a Caveman
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Feb 4, 2025 
Dr. Merijn van de Laar, a sleep therapist and author of "How to Sleep Like a Caveman," explores sleep based on ancestral practices. He argues that modern sleep troubles stem from societal expectations rather than biology. Van de Laar reveals that hunter-gatherers sleep less yet remain well-rested, sharing insights on sleep cycles, light exposure, and temperature management. He challenges the eight-hour sleep myth, suggests intentional sleep deprivation for better rest, and emphasizes that a relaxed mindset can improve overall sleep quality.
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Merijn's Insomnia Experience
- Merijn van de Laar, a sleep therapist, suffered from chronic insomnia for three years.
- He felt hopeless from trying to control his sleep, experiencing both onset and maintenance insomnia.
Evolutionary Perspective on Insomnia
- Many sleep problems we consider abnormal today may have evolutionary roots.
- Staying awake at night could have served as a safety mechanism for our ancestors.
Hunter-Gatherer Sleep Duration
- The Hadza tribe in Tanzania sleeps between 6.2 and 6.5 hours per night on average.
- They also nap for about 17 minutes every other day.
