Ashwin Lewis
Humans sleep for significantly less time than other animals, with the average human sleeping for seven hours a night, compared to the 14 to 17 hours that some primate species sleep for. There are several theories as to why this is the case, including the idea that humans' sleep is more efficient, and that sleeping in groups and near fires allowed early humans to get the most out of their sleep in the shortest time possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Humans sleep less than other primates | Humans get by on an average of seven hours of sleep a night, whereas other primate species, such as southern pig-tailed macaques and gray mouse lemurs, need as many as 14 to 17 hours |
| Humans have more efficient sleep | Humans have evolved to need less sleep than our primate relatives by lopping off non-REM time |
| Humans sleep on the ground | Early humans likely started sleeping on the ground near fire and in larger groups in order to keep warm and ward off predators |
| Humans sleep in groups | Humans sleep in larger groups, which could have enabled our ancestors to get the most out of their sleep in the shortest time possible |
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What You'll Learn
Humans have more efficient sleep
This shift towards shorter, more efficient sleep is thought to be due to the transition from sleeping in "beds" in the trees, as our early human ancestors probably did, to sleeping on the ground as we do today. Sleeping on the ground, in larger groups, and near fire would have helped early humans to keep warm and ward off predators such as leopards and hyenas. This meant that our ancestors could get the most out of their sleep in the shortest time possible.
Shorter sleep also freed up time that could be devoted to other things, like learning new skills and forging social bonds, while deeper sleep helped to cement those skills, sharpen memory and boost brainpower.
Humans also evolved to need less sleep by lopping off non-REM time. REM is the sleep phase most associated with vivid dreaming. This means that, assuming other primates dream similarly, we may spend a larger proportion of our night dreaming than they do.
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Humans faced increased survival pressures
Sleeping on the ground instead of in trees may have also contributed to the shift towards shorter sleep. Shorter sleep durations freed up time for other activities, such as learning new skills and forming social bonds. This extra time could have been crucial for early humans' survival and evolution.
Humans are considered exceptionally short sleepers, averaging around seven hours of sleep per night. In contrast, other primate species, such as southern pig-tailed macaques and gray mouse lemurs, require up to 14 to 17 hours of sleep. The efficiency of human sleep, including the ability to dream and the flexibility in sleep timing, may also play a role in why we need less sleep than other animals.
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Humans slept in groups
Humans also slept on the ground, rather than in "beds" in the trees, as our early human ancestors probably did. This transition may have contributed to the shift towards shorter, more efficient sleep.
Humans are exceptionally short sleepers, getting by on an average of seven hours of sleep a night, whereas other primate species, such as southern pig-tailed macaques and gray mouse lemurs, need as many as 14 to 17 hours.
The evolution of human sleep is a story about safety, according to Samson's social sleep hypothesis. He suggests that we evolved to need less sleep by lopping off non-REM time. REM is the sleep phase most associated with vivid dreaming.
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Humans sleep on the ground
Sleeping near fire provided warmth and comfort, making it easier for early humans to fall asleep and get a good night's rest. Additionally, sleeping in larger groups offered safety and security, reducing the risk of being preyed upon. This sense of security may have contributed to more restful and efficient sleep, allowing humans to function optimally with fewer hours of sleep.
The shift to ground sleeping also freed up time that could be devoted to other activities. With shorter sleep durations, early humans had more time to learn new skills, forge social bonds, and engage in activities that enhanced their survival and well-being. This time efficiency further reinforced the need for shorter sleep durations.
It is worth noting that humans have evolved to need less sleep than our primate relatives. Our sleep patterns have adapted to prioritise efficiency, allowing us to function effectively with an average of seven hours of sleep per night. This adaptation may be attributed to the pressures of survival and the need to maximise the benefits of sleep in the shortest time possible.
In summary, the transition to sleeping on the ground played a significant role in shaping human sleep patterns. The combination of warmth, safety, and social connections facilitated by ground sleeping contributed to more efficient sleep, enabling humans to thrive with less sleep than other animals.
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Humans have more REM sleep
Humans have evolved to need less sleep than other animals, particularly primates. Humans sleep for an average of seven hours a night, while other primates, such as southern pig-tailed macaques and gray mouse lemurs, sleep for 14 to 17 hours.
One hypothesis for this difference is that humans sleep more efficiently. Humans may have evolved to sleep more efficiently by sleeping on the ground in larger groups, which would have kept them warm and protected from predators. Sleeping in groups may also have allowed humans to sleep more deeply, which would have helped to sharpen their memory and boost their brainpower.
Another hypothesis is that humans sleep less because they faced increased pressures of survival and a higher risk of being preyed upon. Shorter sleep would have freed up time for other activities, such as learning new skills and forging social bonds.
It has also been suggested that humans sleep less because they have more REM sleep than other animals. REM sleep is the sleep phase most associated with vivid dreaming. This means that humans may spend a larger proportion of their night dreaming than other animals.
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Frequently asked questions
Humans are exceptionally short sleepers, getting by on an average of seven hours of sleep a night, whereas other primates, such as southern pig-tailed macaques and gray mouse lemurs, need as many as 14 to 17 hours. Humans' sleep is more efficient, which may be due to the transition from sleeping in trees to sleeping on the ground, in larger groups, and near fire.
Humans may have evolved to need less sleep by lopping off non-REM time. REM is the sleep phase most associated with vivid dreaming, so we may spend a larger proportion of our night dreaming than other animals.
Humans faced increased pressures of survival and risks of being preyed upon, so shorter sleep freed up time that could be devoted to other things, like learning new skills and forging social bonds.
