Ancestral Wisdom Unlocks the Secrets to Better Sleep

According to a report published on 2025-11-11T06:26:06+00:00, a significant portion of the global population is grappling with insomnia, and the problem intensifies as the seasons change. Sleep expert Dr. Merijn van de Laar explains that the drop in vitamin D and serotonin levels during seasonal transitions can be a precursor to restless nights.

The article highlights the author's personal struggle with insomnia, which began in childhood and persisted despite various attempts to improve sleep, including exercise, sleep hygiene routines, and even prescription medications. However, the expert's advice challenges the conventional wisdom around sleep, suggesting that the key to better rest may lie in embracing our ancestral sleep patterns.

Dr. van de Laar argues that the modern obsession with achieving the "perfect" eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is misguided. He cites research showing that our ancestors, such as the Hadza tribe in Tanzania, often experienced periods of wakefulness during the night, which served an important function for their survival. The expert encourages readers to be more accepting of natural variations in sleep patterns and to focus on respecting their individual biorhythms.