What Was The Medieval ‘Two Sleeps’ Habit?

Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Most people appreciate the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Healthy sleep involves getting sufficient uninterrupted sleep regularly. When we achieve quality sleep, our brain performance, mood, and overall health improve significantly.

Credit: British Library Royal 16 G VI f. 23

However, the situation was quite different during the Middle Ages when people practiced the habit of “two sleeps.” The duration of the first and second sleep periods varied depending on the time of year and individual preferences. It was common for people to go to bed around nine o’clock and sleep until eleven o’clock, followed by a waking period until around one o’clock. They would then return to sleep until sunrise.

The night was divided into two distinct halves, with a period of wakefulness in between the two sleep segments.

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