Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Our sleeping patterns are largely a function of our daily activity, which for most of us revolves around our and our family's work/school schedule.

There are variations such as the afternoon siesta, which is the norm in some countries, as well more polyphasic sleeping (multiple short sleeps during a 24-hour period).

In terms of health there is clinical evidence that shift workers - who are chronically at odds with their natural sleeping requirements - are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

However, this may not be the case for everyone as there is evidence of genetic polymorphisms associated with preference for night vs day in terms of peak cognitive performance.

'Social jetlag' is a term coined to describe the disparity between our obligations to society (e.g our employer) and the needs of our biological clock.

Clearly, modern sleeping habits are not those of our ancestors and there may be a metabolic and health price to pay in order to conform.

How can sleeping be made to be more paleo?

edited Oct 23 at 13:16

asked Jul 4 at 14:15

meta

bachcole · Answer 1 · 2012-07-04 18:18:50Z UTC

I positively, absolutely confirm that sleep quality affects cardiovascular health. If my sleep is bad, late, or not enough, I can find myself bending over after like running up the stairs, and my resting pulse will be about 10 or 15 beats per minute higher. If my sleep is good, early, and enough, then I can run at least 24 minutes straight (even while fasting), and my resting pulse will be down in the middle 50's, which is my usual pulse.

I gave Harry Banaharis a +1 and clicked his star for this one for bring up the connection between sleep quality and cardiovascular health.

Although the connection between sleep and cardio health is strange, for me it is a FACT, and it is an immediate FACT. I don't have to wait for scientific studies to confirm it. The only explanation I can think of is that nerves control the endothelial muscles that control the width of the arteries. If someone else as another or better explanation, I invite you to post it.

MrsD · Answer 2 · 2012-07-04 16:02:24Z UTC

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I use black out curtains and in addition I've started sleeping with an eye mask as well. I haven't been able to get 8 hours a night though but I'm working on it.

answered Jul 4 at 16:02

MrsD
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pjnoir · Answer 3 · 2012-07-04 19:33:08Z UTC

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not very, I sleep in a bed with a beautiful wife.

answered Jul 4 at 19:33

pjnoir
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wouldn't it be more paleo to be sleeping next to your mate? :) – meta Jul 5 at 3:31

ROB · Answer 4 · 2012-07-05 01:02:47Z UTC

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Not paleo at all. I can't lose the habit of watching TV right before bed.

answered Jul 5 at 1:02

ROB
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unless watching tv half-asleep is similar to dozing off whilst watching a fire – meta Jul 5 at 3:33

Gerg · Answer 5 · 2012-07-04 14:34:54Z UTC

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Get a job with flex time :)

answered Jul 4 at 14:34

Gerg
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Diane · Answer 6 · 2012-07-04 14:58:05Z UTC

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I go to bed early every night and wake with the sun as much as possible. In winter it is harder because I have to wake in the dark. I somehow manage without the use of an alarm clock and going to bed by 9pm.

I disagree with those who say your sleeping environment must be pitch dark for proper sleep. I slept in the wilderness for 6 months. There's about a week of each month when sleep is difficult, even in deep forest, because of the moon. There's another week or so where it's a little less difficult because the moon is either not there or only affects a small portion of the night. I learned that perfect sleep every night is not important and not even natural.

answered Jul 4 at 14:58

Diane
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Some people need a pitch black room. If someone is struggling with healthy sleep and wakes as soon as dawn breaks, black-out curtains may help. – MathGirl72 Jul 4 at 15:31

You SHOULD wake at dawn. That is most natural. It's totally unnatural to stay awake late into the night and sleep past dawn or to adjust your sleep schedule to stupid things like your job and your commute. – Diane Jul 4 at 23:20

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Stupid things? It isn't natural for everyone. I know plenty of people that are night owls and thrive on it. However, if you'll notice, I did specifically mention people struggling with healthy sleep. Not sleeping, then waking at the break of dawn adds to the body's stress and is also unnatural. – MathGirl72 Jul 4 at 23:56

Diane, tell that to the people living near the poles. The sun doesn't set for months... – Wisper Oct 23 at 14:09

How paleo is your sleep?

6 Answers