For centuries, humans enjoyed a completely different relationship with sleep than we do today. Historical records reveal that our ancestors commonly practiced what experts now call "segmented sleep" or "biphasic sleep" - sleeping in two distinct phases throughout the night.
The Forgotten Rhythm of Our Ancestors
Before the industrial revolution and the invention of artificial lighting, people typically experienced their night's rest in two segments. They would sleep for approximately four hours, wake up for one to two hours of quiet activity, then return to sleep for another four-hour stretch. This natural pattern was documented across various cultures and historical periods.
The Midnight Intermission: What People Did During Wakeful Hours
During the waking period between sleep segments, people engaged in remarkably peaceful activities:
- Reading and writing by candlelight
- Meditation and prayer
- Quiet household chores
- Intimate conversations with bed partners
- Simple contemplation and reflection
How Modern Life Disrupted Our Natural Sleep Patterns
The widespread adoption of artificial lighting, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, fundamentally altered our relationship with sleep. Street lighting and later, electric indoor lighting, extended waking hours and compressed sleep into a single, continuous block.
The 9-to-5 work culture further cemented this change, creating societal pressure to sleep through the night without interruption. What was once considered normal wakefulness during nighttime hours became pathologized as insomnia.
The Science Behind Segmented Sleep
Research suggests that biphasic sleep patterns align more naturally with our circadian rhythms. The human body temperature naturally dips twice during a 24-hour cycle, creating two natural sleep windows. Modern continuous sleep fights against these biological cues.
Rediscovering Segmented Sleep in Modern Times
Sleep researchers are now reconsidering the benefits of segmented sleep patterns. Some studies indicate that waking during the night might not be a sleep disorder but rather a return to our natural state.
For those who naturally wake during the night, sleep experts suggest embracing this pattern rather than fighting it. Instead of worrying about insomnia, use the wakeful period for quiet, relaxing activities before naturally returning to sleep.
Practical Tips for Modern Sleepers
- Don't panic if you wake during the night - it might be natural
- Keep lighting low during any nighttime wakefulness
- Avoid screens and stimulating activities
- Practice acceptance of your body's natural rhythms
- Focus on total sleep quality rather than continuous sleep
Understanding our sleep history helps reframe our relationship with nighttime wakefulness. Rather than seeing interrupted sleep as a failure, we might recognize it as a return to our ancestral patterns - a connection to how humans have slept for most of history.
