This theory, which is “one of the earliest theories of sleep, ... suggests that inactivity at night is an adaptation that served a survival function by keeping organisms out of harm’s way at times when they would be particularly vulnerable” (Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School 7). Since the early years of life, it has been said that humans would sleep as a defense mechanism at times they were susceptible to predators. By staying still and quiet while vulnerable, one would remain safe, unlike others who remained active. Those who were active in the dark often had some form of an accident during the night or were killed by predators. Over time, this behavioral strategy evolved to modern day
This theory, which is “one of the earliest theories of sleep, ... suggests that inactivity at night is an adaptation that served a survival function by keeping organisms out of harm’s way at times when they would be particularly vulnerable” (Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School 7). Since the early years of life, it has been said that humans would sleep as a defense mechanism at times they were susceptible to predators. By staying still and quiet while vulnerable, one would remain safe, unlike others who remained active. Those who were active in the dark often had some form of an accident during the night or were killed by predators. Over time, this behavioral strategy evolved to modern day