The Evolutionary Story of Human Sleep

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 brain’s unique sleep patterns we follow today. He offers insights into how a fundamental yet overlooked aspect of human biology has shaped the evolutionary trajectory and continues to influence daily lives.