Biphasic Sleep
Understanding Humanity’s Original Sleep Architecture
In the quiet hours between first and second sleep, our ancestors experienced a different relationship with rest – one that modern society has completely forgotten. Historical research reveals that biphasic sleep, far from being an alternative sleep pattern, was humanity’s natural rhythm for perhaps tens of thousands of years.
Ancient Patterns: The Original Human Sleep Architecture
Archaeological evidence and historical documents reveal that biphasic sleep patterns were ubiquitous across human civilizations until the Industrial Revolution. Dr. Roger Ekirch’s groundbreaking research at Virginia Tech, analyzing over 500 pre-industrial historical documents, illuminates this forgotten sleep architecture.
The Natural Rhythm
Historical records consistently describe two distinct sleep periods:
- First Sleep (Prima Sleep): Beginning shortly after sunset
- The Watch: A peaceful waking period of 1-2 hours
- Second Sleep (Seconda Sleep): Lasting until dawn
This pattern appeared across diverse cultures and geographical locations, suggesting its deep roots in human biology rather than cultural convention.
Insomnia in Historical Context
Historical records suggest that chronic insomnia was relatively rare in pre-industrial societies. Several factors contributed to this phenomenon:
Natural Sleep Regulation
- Alignment with natural sunrise/sunset rhythms
- Absence of indoor bright light
- Physical labor patterns
- Social acceptance of varied sleep timing
Historical Sleep Management
Records from medieval physicians reveal different approaches to sleep difficulties:
- Herbal remedies focused on gentle relaxation
- Evening rituals emphasizing natural transitions
- Recognition of sleep’s sacred nature
- Community support during night wakings
The Watch: A Lost Period of Consciousness
The time between first and second sleep held special significance in pre-industrial societies. Historical accounts describe this period as one of:
Contemplation and Creativity
- Meditation and prayer
- Artistic inspiration
- Problem-solving
- Personal reflection
Social Connection
- Intimate conversations
- Community gatherings
- Shared storytelling
- Collective religious practices
The Great Disruption: Electric Light’s Impact
The invention of artificial light, patented in 1879, marked a profound shift in human sleep patterns. Edison’s incandescent bulb initiated an unprecedented experiment in sleep modification.
Immediate Effects
- Extended evening activities
- Delayed sleep onset
- Compressed sleep cycles
- Disrupted natural rhythms
Societal Transformations
- Industrial work schedules
- Standardized time
- Night shift employment
- Extended commercial hours
The Modern Sleep Environment
Contemporary society has moved far beyond simple electric lighting, creating an environment increasingly hostile to natural sleep patterns:
Electronic Disruption
- Blue light exposure
- 24/7 entertainment access
- Constant connectivity
- Social media engagement
Psychological Impact
- Information overload
- Social comparison stress
- Digital anxiety
- FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The Digital Age: A New Sleep Crisis
Modern technology has introduced unprecedented challenges to human sleep architecture:
Screen-Mediated Reality
- Constant notification streams
- Algorithmic content delivery
- Virtual social obligations
- Digital workplace expectations
Corporate Control of Attention
- Engagement-driven platforms
- Attention monetization
- Sleep-disruptive content delivery
- Artificial engagement cycles
Media Evolution and Sleep Disruption
The transformation of information consumption has profoundly impacted sleep patterns:
Traditional to Digital
- From evening newspapers to 24/7 news cycles
- Shift from communal to individual media consumption
- Replacement of natural light cues with screen exposure
- Evolution from passive to interactive content
Corporate Media Impact
- Anxiety-inducing news cycles
- Engagement-driven content timing
- Sleep-disruptive notification systems
- Attention economy priorities
Social Media’s Sleep Burden
The rise of social platforms has created new challenges for sleep regulation:
Psychological Factors
- Social comparison anxiety
- Digital FOMO
- Online validation seeking
- Virtual social obligations
Biological Impact
- Dopamine Trigger Manipulation
- Melatonin suppression
- Cognitive hyperarousal
- Corosol overload
The Path Forward: Reconnecting with Natural Rhythms
Recent research suggests potential benefits in reconsidering historical sleep patterns:
Modern Biphasic Adaptation
- Modified first/second sleep scheduling
- Integration with modern work patterns
- Technology-conscious rest periods
- Natural light exposure optimization
Digital Wellness Strategies
- Screen time management
- Notification boundaries
- Social media limitations
- Digital sunset practices
Future Considerations
As we navigate the intersection of technology and sleep, several key areas deserve attention:
Technological Integration
- Circadian-aware device design
- Sleep-protective social platforms
- Natural rhythm support tools
- Digital wellness infrastructure
Cultural Shifts
- Recognition of sleep diversity
- Workplace schedule flexibility
- Value of rest periods
- Community support systems
Conclusion: Bridging Past and Present
Understanding our historical sleep patterns offers valuable insights for addressing modern sleep challenges. While returning to pre-industrial sleep patterns may not be feasible for most, acknowledging our biological heritage can inform healthier approaches to rest in our digital age.
The future of human sleep likely lies in thoughtfully integrating historical wisdom with modern realities. This would create space for more natural rest patterns while acknowledging the irreversible changes in our technological society. By understanding where we’ve come from, we can better navigate where we’re going, fostering sleep practices that honor our biological needs and contemporary lifestyles.
References:
- What Is Biphasic Sleep? https://www.healthline.com/health/biphasic-sleep
- Sleep Patterns and Quality in Omani Adults. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7166064/
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In short, in photoperiods, human sleep is biphasic. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10607034/
- Evening home lighting adversely impacts the circadian system and sleep. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7644684/
- Electric Lighting, Adolescent Sleep and Circadian Outcomes, and Recommendations for Improving Light Health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10693907/