Sleep like a caveman

Sleep like a caveman

Discover how our ancestors slept and improve the quality of your sleep once and for all.

By: Monica Puligheddu, University of Cagliari
Guest: Merijn Van De Laar
Monica Puligheddu

Monica Francesca Puligheddu is an Associate Professor in the MED/26 Neurology scientific sector at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Cagliari. She is Director of the Neurology Unit at the Monserrato University Hospital, where she coordinates clinical and research activities in the field of neurological disorders. Her primary areas of scientific and clinical interest include sleep disorders, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. She is a member of the International RBD Study Group, collaborating with international research centers on the study of REM sleep behavior disorder and its neurological implications.

Sleep like a caveman

Discover how our ancestors slept and improve the quality of your sleep once and for all.
De Agostini

What’s the connection between nocturnal predators and the worries that keep us awake? Why do people who fall in love sleep better? Do dreams influence our emotions? What’s the difference between insomnia, parasomnia, and delayed sleep disorder? Are melatonin and sleep medications really helpful? A fascinating journey into the origins of sleep and a method to defeat insomnia in just three weeks. When Dr. Merijn van de Laar began suffering from insomnia, he tried everything, but nothing seemed to work: a sleep expert who couldn’t fall asleep—what a shame! Instead of giving up, however, he decided to push the limits of the traditional approach to delve deeper into the topic through the lens of evolutionary psychology. When did insomnia arise? Has it always existed, or is it a product of the artificial rhythms modern life subjects us to? How did our ancestors sleep? And those famous eight hours of sleep we always talk about: are they really necessary, or are we doing something wrong? Sleep Like a Caveman is a journey to the origins of sleep through archaeological discoveries and anthropological studies of hunter-gatherer peoples, highlighting the important differences between our basic needs and the daily behaviors that hinder our sleep. By embracing the ancient wisdom of our ancestors, we can reconnect with our deepest nature and improve the quality of our rest, just as our bodies are designed to do. Dr. van de Laar offers not only advice and suggestions, but a comprehensive understanding of sleep mechanisms that can be applied to everyday life. The solution to insomnia exists, and this practical and innovative guide helps us find it the way that works best for us in just three weeks.

09 nov 2025

|  h 17:30

Event location:
EXMA Conference room
Via San Lucifero, 71 Cagliari

Access to the Cagliari FestivalScienza activities is free for everyone. Reservations are required only for schools and organized groups.