However, let’s be real here – how often do you really achieve this type of bliss? For many of us, we’re lucky if manage to wake up feeling semi-functional in the morning.
After we have come home from work, cooked dinner, helped the kids with their homework, tidied the house, we often want at least an hour of me time, This typically pushes our bedtime back to around midnight, and though we’re exhausted by that point, that doesn’t stop our racing mind from waking us up at points during the night.
However, what if we told you that you might be working against your body’s natural rhythm by forcing yourself to sleep in one 8-hour period?
Roger Ekrich, a historian and author, in his book “At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past, gives his readers a mammoth 500 references of civilizations, from ancient to living, that practice what he calls “segmented sleep.”
While this was and still is seen all over the world among distinct societies, there are a few differences when it comes to the nitty-gritty. For example, Ekrich found that segmented sleep almost always looks the same – it begins with a subject going to bed about two hours after dusk (this is the first sleep), then they wake up in the middle of the night for one or two hours (this is the waking period), and then the subject goes back to sleep for several more hours (this is the second sleep).
Early records have shown that the “waking period” between “first” and “second sleep” was a time that was often used for unwinding and leisure. In fact, 16th-century French physicians urged couples who were trying to conceive to have intercourse after they wake up from the first sleep, as the body is much more relaxed and rejuvenated following some sleep.
Ekrich’s research shows that segmented sleep was pretty much “put to bed” in the West by the turn of the 20th century. This is probably due to multiple factors, including the implementation of the modern 9-5 workday, as well as 19th century doctors urging parents not to wake children if they don’t naturally wake up after a “first sleep.”
This is an interesting concept, and one that we think can work well for some people. Who knows? Maybe in the future, doctors will start prescribing “first” and “second” sleep to their patients. Considering that an estimated 164 million Americans have struggled with insomnia at some point in their lives, it’s apparent that our ancestors went about this nightly ritual in a much better way.
Source: tiphero
Images: depositphotos
Who Knew Raisins Were THIS Good For You?
Raisins have been revered as a healthy snack for centuries. Here are 10 amazing health benefits of raisins.
5 Exercises That'll Help Keep Your Back Muscles Strong...
A healthy and flexible back is an indication of a young body. Here you’ll find some tips on detecting and preventing the first signs of this kind of aging.
10 Simple Ways to Significantly Reduce Your Carb Intake
Are you looking to lose some weight? Here are ten ways that you can significantly reduce your carb intake!
11 Simple Health Hacks to Change Your Life for the Better
To get healthy quick, all we need to do is follow these instant health upgrades. Take a look!
6 Chemical Reactions that Changed the Course of History
Although we rarely pay much attention to the chemistry that constantly surrounds us, these 6 reactions changed history.
How to Keep Your Mind a Little Sharper at Any Age
Everyone has a tendency to be a little forgetful. Here are 7 exercises that will help keep your mind sharp at any age.
The Ownership Effect: Have YOU Fallen Prey to It?
An article about the ownership effect, a psychological effect that causes us to overvalue the things we've owned.
14 Creative Uses for Magnets Around the House
Here are some creative and practical ideas to make use of those unwanted magnets, which will benefit both you and the kids.
These Stunning Photos of Women in the 1940s Take Me Back
Not much is known about talented Russian Photographer Nina Leen. Throughout her career she produced memorable work, some of which you are about to see here.
10 Surprising Grocery Products You Didn't Know You Can DIY
Did you know you could also DIY products like butter, mustard, and deodorants? Learn these useful recipes to reduce the load of your grocery shopping!
I Just Found the Most Useful Material in the House!
Toothpaste has so many uses - it's truly amazing. Next time you encounter any of these problems, turn to this list to find out how toothpaste can help.
Read This to Deal With That Terrible Smell In Your Fridge!
If there's a bad odor in your refrigerator, then this guide will show you exactly how to get rid of it quickly and easily.
15 Fun and Unique Craft Ideas for Home Decor
These different and creative craft ideas can add a lot of pizzazz and joy to a home. Learn how to make them here!
50 Great Kitchen Hack That Everyone Should Know About
Spending time in the kitchen makes you realize that you can do things a lot quicker than you thought possible. Let me share my tips with you.
This is One Useful Oil You Always Want to Keep Around
This article will share six different and particularly effective uses for sesame oil, which make it clear why every home should have this essential ingredient.
11 DIY Lamp Shades That’ll Brighten Up Every Home!
Lighting makes all the difference in a house's atmosphere but is usually super expensive. now you can make your own lampshades at a fraction of the cost!
9 Ways to Keep Your House Clean Using Just a Simple Lime
Limes are just as good as lemons when it comes to cleaning. Here are 9 great ways to clean with them.
Freeze Your Food Quickly and Efficiently with These Tips
Which foods can you freeze for later use?
10 Surprising Uses for Honey Outside the Kitchen!
While honey may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for it too.
Make These Baby Products Naturally at Home!
To help you create your own natural remedies for your little one, we suggest trying out the following homemade "recipes".
20 Foods That Should Be Kept Out of the Refrigerator
The refrigerator allows us to keep food fresh for longer, but there are certain foods, such as the 20 here, which are not meant for the cold...
10 Signs You Have a High Level of Intelligence
If you find yourself relating to these characteristics, it is possible that you possess an exceptional level of intelligence...
Keep Your Oven Clean with This All-Natural Cleaner
This non-toxic all-natural oven cleaner will keep your oven looking spick and span.
Wow! Even We Were Amazed At These 11 Ingenious Tips
Everyone needs some tips in life, and these 11 are worth remembering because they'll help you solve a variety of problems, make life easier and save money!
40 Common Tourist Traps to Avoid on Your Next Vacation!
If you're planning a trip abroad, please be aware of these 40 common tourist scams!
The Devil Is in the Detail, Even When it Comes to Cleaning...
This guide shows you how to clean every room in your home, as well as specific parts of each one. You won't find a more detailed home cleaning guide than this.
If Food Has Ever Stuck To Your Pan, You Need This Tip
This video gives you 4 tips that ensure no food will ever stick to any of your pans.
12 Home Maintenance Mistakes I Wished I Knew Earlier
Care to find out if you’ve fallen prey to some of these home maintenance myths?
After Watching This, You'll Stop Pouring Fat Down the Sink
Pouring grease down your drain can do real damage to your pipes and the sewer system. Here's what you need to know.
Is Your Dryer Getting Slow? These Tips May Help!
There are a number of common reasons why a dryer might stop working efficiently. Here are 5 of them!
Can't Name that Color? Just Use Our Handy Color Guide...
No more arguing about what color it is, from now on you have all the colors at your fingertips...
This Short Grilling Tip Will Make Your Food Taste Better
Learn the best type of smoke for your grill and how to create it at home.
Deter Pests From Your Garden with This Unusual Remedy
Looking to spend time in the garden, but pesky animals like deer, rabbits and squirrel are taking over? A bar of soap in your garden may help deter these animals.
A Smarter Approach to Measuring Body Mass Index
The body mass index can actually be misleading. Here’s what you should use instead.
Clear a Clogged Drain Without Using Any Chemicals
The clogged drains of your house don't always need chemicals. These natural homemade cleaners provide great results, too.
Have You Been Using Antiperspirant All Wrong?
Do you apply antiperspirant correctly? Here's an article that will teach you everything about proper antiperspirant application
These Remedies That Get Rid of Facial Hair Actually Work
Got excess facial hair? Here are 7 natural remedies to remove it.
Now is The Last Chance for This Outdoor Winterizing Task
Learn how to seal cracks and potholes in your driveway, and how to winterize your driveway before the first snow.
Learn the Banana Tricks You Always Wanted to Know
You're Going to Love This Handy Banana Trick
An Easy Guide to Preventing and Treating Wrinkles
A simple guide to understanding, preventing and treating wrinkles, plus 2 recipes for anti-aging face masks. Take a look!
Body Language Guide: 17 Mistakes We All Make
We give ourselves away all the time. Learn the common body language mistakes we all do so you can protect your inner thoughts.
40 Incredibly Useful Things You Can Do with Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most useful materials in the house...
16 Human Foods You Can Share With Your Dog or Cat
In this article, we will present you with 8 foods for dogs and 8 foods for cats.
Our Complete Guide to Peeling Fruits and Vegetables!
Each fruit and vegetable has a different way of being effectively peeled. Our guide will teach you the very best methods!
Do NOT Store These Fruit and Veg Together!
What are the best ways to store fresh fruit and vegetables? This guide explains.
Ink Stain Removal Made Easy With 9 Ultimate Home Methods
Don't throw out you ink-stained clothing, instead, try one of these 9 at-home methods of ink removal to revive your garments
Salt Has Many More Uses & Benefits Than You Ever Imagined
Salt has been in use for thousands of years, and also happens to have thousands of uses. Here's a selection of them that you probably weren't aware of before.