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What can we learn about sleep from the land of the polar night

The article from BBC Future explores how people living in the Arctic during the polar night, where the sun doesn't rise for weeks or months, adapt to extreme light conditions and what this can teach us about sleep. It discusses how these individuals manage their sleep patterns despite the absence of natural light cues, which typically regulate our circadian rhythms. The piece highlights research suggesting that while some adapt by shifting their sleep schedules, others maintain a more regular sleep pattern through artificial light or social schedules. It also touches on the psychological and physiological effects of prolonged darkness, including potential benefits like reduced stress from light pollution and insights into how humans might adapt to different light environments, such as space travel or underground living. The article suggests that understanding these adaptations could help in managing sleep disorders and optimizing human performance in various light conditions.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250103-what-people-living-in-the-arctic-polar-night-teach-us-about-sleep ]