Were sleep timings and patterns different in prehistoric humans? Of so, why have they changed?

by [deleted]
Searocksandtrees

hi! this is one of those questions that can have infinite answers for various cultures over time, so there's always room for more input. But meanwhile, there have been several related questions - looks like it's time to create a new section in the FAQ! - so check these out for previous responses ~

Sleep cycles: has any world culture slept differently than the now-standard 8 hours at night?

What were the typical sleeping times before the invention of electricity? Or even better, what is the oldest historic reference to the sleeping patterns of a culture?

How have human sleep patterns changed over time?

[Middle Ages] When did different classes of people wake up and go to sleep?

What were sleep schedules like in pre-industrial societies?