article_snippet: Our ancestors typically rose with the sun and went to sleep when the sun set, but modern life and artificial lighting has pushed this routine out of sync.
article_snippet: However, researchers have discovered a rural community in Brazil that still follows the natural sleep cycles of the past  - despite having access to the same technology as its urban neighbours.
article_snippet: Researchers have discovered a rural community in Brazil that follows the 'natural sleep cycles' (stock image) of our ancestors who rose with the sun, and typically went to bed when the sun set.
article_snippet: our . a rural community in Brazil that follows the 'natural sleep cycles' (stock image) of our ancestors who rose with the sun, and typically went to bed when it set was discovered in the small town of Baependi in south-eastern Brazil in the state of Minais Gerais.
article_snippet: São Paulo questions about Researchers from the University of Surrey and the University of São Paulo sleep habits and patterns. '
article_snippet: As a result, most of us go to bed much later than us ancestors did, and, many of us are sleeping less. '
article_snippet: Historian Roger Ekirch of Virginia Tech recently revealed an 'overwhelming amount of historical evidence' that suggested we used to sleep in stages.
article_snippet: Historian Roger Ekirch of Virginia Tech found more than 500 references about ancestors sleeping in two shorter periods throughout the night.
article_snippet: These days it is widely accepted human sleep patterns are governed by the 'circadian rhythm'.
article_snippet: But Wired: How To Overcome Your Sleep Problems.
article_snippet: Midnight really represents the middle of the dark phase, and yet many of us in the industrialised world are not even in bed by then,' continued Dr von Schantz. '
article_snippet: Our are optimistic that this project will teach Our to what extent cardiovascular health, obesity, diabetes, and mental health problems may be associated with Our move away from the natural day/night cycle, and the associated sleep loss.'
highlights_snippet: Study has found a Brazilian community with 'pre-industrial' sleeping habits .
  