Evie Summers
Sleep is an essential function that enables our bodies and minds to recharge. While this universal human experience may seem like a biological constant, our sleeping patterns haven't always been the same. In pre-industrial times, humans used to sleep in two shifts with a period of wakefulness in between. This is called biphasic sleeping, and it may be much more common than you think. In the 8th-Century BC epic poem, the Odyssey, Homer refers to the ‘first sleep’, in what is one of the earliest references to segmented sleep. Other references have since been found from across the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries in literature, diaries, court records and anthological reports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep duration | 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours |
| Sleep cycles | Biphasic sleep (first sleep and second sleep with a break in between) |
| Sleep environment | Safe and comfortable spaces; doors and windows left ajar; flowers and herbs sprinkled near walls and between bed sheets; distilled water of roses, chamomile, lavender, lettuce leaves, and water lilies used to cool bodies and bedchambers |
| Sleep posture | Doctors advised resting first on the right side, then turning to the left side during the second half of the night |
| Sleep schedule | No fixed sleep schedule; sleep time varied based on sunset |
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What You'll Learn
- Biphasic sleep: Our ancestors slept in two shifts, with a break in between
- Sleep duration: They slept less than 8 hours, with 7 hours being the norm
- Sleep timing: Ancestors often stayed awake for hours after sunset
- Sleep environment: They used herbs, flowers, and specific types of wood to aid sleep
- Sleep posture: Doctors advised sleeping on the right side first, then turning left
Biphasic sleep: Our ancestors slept in two shifts, with a break in between
Our ancestors' sleep patterns were very different from our own. While we tend to sleep in one long block, our forebears often slept in two shifts, with a break in between. This is known as "biphasic sleep".
The idea that our ancestors slept in two distinct chunks first emerged from historian A. Roger Ekirch's research into preindustrial Europe and America. Ekirch discovered over 500 references to biphasic sleep, which typically consisted of a "first sleep" and a "second sleep", with a few waking hours in between. During this break, people might chat, eat, pray, or have sex.
The concept of biphasic sleep challenges the notion that humans have always slept for a single eight-hour block each night. In fact, it's thought that our ancestors' sleep patterns were more in tune with natural light patterns, with people staying awake for a few hours after sunset, and waking before sunrise.
While the exact sleep patterns of our ancestors are still a matter of debate, some researchers argue that the shift from biphasic to monophasic sleep is a relatively recent development, coinciding with industrialization and the advent of artificial lighting. Today, many sleep-deprived people are experimenting with biphasic sleep patterns, taking inspiration from our ancestors and cultures that still embrace the daytime siesta.
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Sleep duration: They slept less than 8 hours, with 7 hours being the norm
Sleep duration is a key aspect of understanding our ancestors' sleep habits. While the specific sleep duration of our ancestors can vary depending on the historical period and cultural context, there is evidence to suggest that they slept less than 8 hours on average, with 7 hours being a common duration.
For instance, a study by Jerome Siegel and his team from UCLA examined the sleep patterns of three preindustrial societies: the Hadza, the Tsimane, and the San. These groups maintain traditional hunting and foraging lifestyles, providing insights into ancestral sleep habits. The study found that the participants slept outdoors or in moderate huts, typically sleeping through the night without waking up. On average, they slept less than 7 hours each night, with an average sleep duration of 6 hours and 25 minutes. This challenges the notion that our ancestors consistently achieved the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
Similarly, in the 18th century, records from Antwerp indicate that 7 hours of sleep was the norm, with no mention of biphasic sleep patterns. This aligns with the general understanding that humans have evolved to have shorter sleep durations than other primates, with our closest evolutionary relatives, chimps, averaging 9.5 hours of sleep.
It is worth noting that the advent of technology and modern lifestyles have significantly impacted sleep patterns. The introduction of artificial lighting, for example, has extended our natural waking periods, and the pressures of modern life may contribute to reduced sleep durations. Additionally, the concept of biphasic sleep, or segmented sleep with a first and second sleep, has been observed in preindustrial cultures, suggesting that sleep duration and patterns may have varied historically.
In summary, while there is variability in sleep duration across different ancestral groups and historical periods, the evidence suggests that our ancestors generally slept less than 8 hours per night, with 7 hours being the most commonly observed duration. Further research is needed to fully understand the sleep patterns of our ancestors and how they can inform our modern approaches to sleep.
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Sleep timing: Ancestors often stayed awake for hours after sunset
Sleep timing is an important aspect of our daily lives, and understanding how our ancestors approached it can provide valuable insights. While it is commonly believed that our ancestors went to bed at sundown, research suggests otherwise.
In a study conducted by UCLA, sleep patterns of traditional hunter-gatherer communities, including the Hadza, Tsimane, and San people, were observed. The results revealed that these individuals stayed awake for an average of 3 hours and 20 minutes after sunset. This finding challenges the notion that our ancestors immediately fell asleep at sundown. Jerome Siegel, one of the authors of the study, attributed the extended waking period after sunset to the availability of electric lighting in modern times.
The study also shed light on the total sleep duration of these traditional communities. On average, they slept for approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes per night, with some sleeping less than 7 hours. This duration is notably shorter than the commonly recommended sleep duration of 7 to 9 hours for adults. However, it is worth noting that the concept of a fixed sleep duration may not be universally applicable, as sleep needs can vary depending on the individual.
The sleep patterns observed in these traditional communities differ significantly from those of industrialized societies, where a single bout of nightly sleep is typical. Our ancestors may have evolved shorter and more efficient sleep patterns to adapt to terrestrial life, reducing their vulnerability to predators and creating more time for essential tasks. This hypothesis is supported by the work of David Samson, an anthropologist at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, who suggests that efficient sleep patterns conferred an evolutionary advantage to our hominin ancestors.
Additionally, historical records from preindustrial Europe and America indicate that biphasic sleep, or sleeping in two segments, was a common practice. This allowed people to engage in activities such as sex, prayer, eating, chatting, and taking medicine during the break between their first and second sleep. The concept of biphasic sleep is not limited to ancient history, as it is still prevalent in some modern cultures, such as the daily "siesta" in Spain. Embracing biphasic sleep can be a healthier alternative for individuals struggling with monophasic sleep patterns in today's society.
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Sleep environment: They used herbs, flowers, and specific types of wood to aid sleep
Sleep has always been an important aspect of human life, and our ancestors used a variety of methods to aid their sleep. One aspect they paid close attention to was the sleep environment, which included the use of herbs, flowers, and specific types of wood.
Herbs
Herbs have been used for centuries to promote overall health and wellness, including better sleep. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, recognized the medicinal properties of herbs and incorporated them into their sleep routines. One such herb is chamomile, which has been used for over 5000 years and is often consumed as a tea. Another herb with a long history of use is valerian root, which was a popular remedy in ancient Greece and Rome and is still used today as a dietary supplement to promote sleep.
Flowers
Flowers also played a role in creating a soothing sleep environment for our ancestors. The sweet-smelling jasmine flower, for example, has long been used to refresh bedrooms and promote restful sleep. Similarly, lavender was commonly used in ancient times to create a relaxing atmosphere and induce sleep, and it continues to be a popular choice today. Other flowers such as gardenias, gerbera daisies, and orchids are also known for their sleep-inducing properties, purifying the air and providing a pleasant aroma to help our ancestors fall asleep more easily.
Wood
The use of specific types of wood was also a key part of our ancestors' sleep environment. In ancient China, fine wood carvings were a common feature of shelf beds, which provided both aesthetic appeal and functional support. The choice of wood was also important for the aroma it produced when burned. Burning specific types of wood in bed chambers was believed to aid sleep, providing a pleasant scent that promoted relaxation and a good night's rest.
By utilizing these natural sleep aids, our ancestors were able to create soothing environments that promoted better sleep quality and overall well-being.
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Sleep posture: Doctors advised sleeping on the right side first, then turning left
Sleep has always been an important aspect of human life, with our ancestors prioritising sleep for bodily and spiritual health. They even took great pains to create safe and comfortable spaces for sleep.
In preindustrial Europe and America, humans used to sleep in segments, with a first and second sleep, and a break in between to eat, chat, pray, and take medicine. This is known as biphasic sleep.
Our ancestors also had specific sleep postures that they followed. Doctors advised sleepers to rest first on their right side and then turn to their left side during the second half of the night. It was believed that resting on the right side first allowed food to reach the pit of the stomach, where it was properly digested.
Today, sleeping on the left side is recommended for pregnant women, especially in the last trimester, as it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow. For people with neck and back pain, sleeping on the side is also considered the best position, with a pillow placed between the knees to alleviate stress on the hips.
Overall, while our ancestors had different sleep patterns and postures, some of these practices, such as the left side sleeping posture, are still recommended by doctors today for specific situations.
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Frequently asked questions
Our ancestors slept in two shifts, with a period of wakefulness in between. This is known as biphasic sleep. They would go to bed between 9 pm and 11 pm, wake up a few hours later for one to two hours, and then go back to sleep until morning.
During the break between their first and second sleeps, our ancestors would pray, have sex, eat, chat, and take medicine.
The transition from biphasic sleep to monophasic sleep is thought to be due to the invention of artificial light. The incandescent light bulb, invented in 1879, allowed people to stay up, work, or socialize through the night.
