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Comment by throwaway98797 | Hacker News Reader

only 100 years ago most would be waking up before dawn to milk the cows.

And only a few hundred years ago jaw size supposedly started shrinking leading to increased sleep disordered breathing, at least that's what some researchers claim.

Also, hunter-gatherer societies may get less sleep than the recommended. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/10/the-many... And the San and Tsimane may not have a word for insomnia because they have bigger airways?

I think jaw size is probably related to the foods we eat. (Less reason to develop a strong jaw if you aren’t eating tough stuff) At least, that’s what I read on HN some months back. It’s why our teeth need more alignment too. Not enough space.

It's also related to how long breastfeeding is continued and to whether you have allergies (or other reasons to start mouth breathing).

And in bed at sundown.

I don't think so, especially not 100 years ago. There were too many good radio programs and before that there were other people to talk to and even alone, there were the stars.

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/10/the-many...

I don't find a convincing argument to use people living in traditional societies in Tanzania to illuminate the sleeping cycles of people in industrialized Western societies 100 years ago for people who had to be at a factory or office by 8am.

most in 1920?

I’m directionally correct.

You’re right though.

Point stands if I make it 200 years ago and more importantly for most of human history.

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