How to Sleep Like a Caveman: Ancient Wisdom for a Better Night’s Rest

In this robust debut guide, psychologist van de Laar argues that recreating the living conditions of ancient humans improves sleep quality. Exploring how the hallmarks of modern life disrupt rest, van de Laar cites research showing that using an iPad before bed suppresses melatonin and that air conditioning causes more frequent awakenings at night. To counter such disturbances, van de Laar urges readers to exercise regularly, which emulates the energy expenditures human ancestors spent looking for food, and to adopt a paleolithic diet whose emphasis on protein-rich meals has been found to improve sleep quality. Van de Laar provides discerning readings of the scientific literature, noting that while research indicates that high caffeine intake is correlated with sleep troubles, people who are consistent in the amount of coffee they consume are usually only minimally affected because their bodies habituate to caffeine’s effects. The advice frequently surprises, as when van de Laar explains that reducing time spent in bed each night can help insomniacs achieve better sleep by increasing the pressure to doze off when they finally lie down. (This dovetails with studies of contemporary hunter-gatherer societies that suggest ancient humans likely only got a little more than six hours of sleep per night.) Anyone who’s ever resorted to counting sheep will find this a balm. Agent: Paul Sebes, Sebes & Bisseling Literary. (May)