Are You a Biphasic Sleeper? Discover Some Insight About This Ancient Sleeping Pattern

Decades ago, people used to practice biphasic sleep. At night, instead of resting in a single block, the sleep pattern was divided into two distinct periods. The first sleep began shortly after sunset and lasted several hours. After this first sleep, people awoke for one or two hours, during which they engaged in various activities such as praying, meditating, writing, reading, conversing, doing household chores, tending to livestock, or having sex. After this period of wakefulness, people went back to sleep until dawn.

Today’s biphasic sleep

Today, biphasic sleep is a way in which a person divides his or her rest into two segments within a 24-hour period. It consists of a longer nighttime rest period followed by a shorter nap during the day. In countries such as Spain and Italy, some people nap for 60 to 90 minutes during the day. This usually occurs in the afternoon, leaving five to six hours of sleep per night.

Is biphasic sleep natural?

Since the discovery of artificial light, humans have predominantly shifted to monophasic sleep or a single stretch of nighttime sleep. However, in a recent study participants naturally adopted a biphasic sleep schedule when exposed to reduced lighting. These findings suggest that biphasic sleep may be more natural and beneficial than many follow today’s single-block rest.

With everyday lifestyles, it’s no wonder that some people need to refuel in the middle of the day. Midday naps may not just be a luxury, but a practical way to boost your well-being. So, if you feel like taking a nap, you may already be practicing biphasic sleep.