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
Why You Should Never Drink Too Much Water
It’s always important to remember not to get dehydrated, but you need to know that there is such a thing as overhydration, and it can be very dangerous too.
Suffer from Dust Allergies? Try These Natural Treatments!
Do you suffer from dust allergies at home? If so, here are 8 natural remedies that you should definitely try!
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.
There’s a Map for Literally EVERYTHING in the World!
These rare and unusual maps provide some unique information!
Fake Olive Oil: Here's How You Can Spot It...
If you want to know whether the olive oil you have bought is real or an imposter, here's how you can tell!
Ever Wondered How Hormones Work? Well, Wonder No More...
Ever wondered how hormones work? Well, wonder no more as this informative TED-Ed video explains all!
Make Cleaning Windows Less Tedious with This DIY Recipe
There is a quicker and more effective way to clean the windows in your house. Take a look at these two methods.
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!
Do This to Revive a Drying Houseplant
Whenever one of your houseplants suddenly looks ill, do this trick.
7 AARP Benefits Every Senior Should Take Advantage Of
Have an AAARP membership? You may not know of these little-known benefits.
7 Sounds Your Cat Makes and What They Mean
This video will show you the 7 different sounds cats make and the purpose for each of them.
These 20 Hacks Will Make Gardening So Much Easier!
This rapid-fire video gives you tips on not only how to manage and maintain your garden, but even make use of normally useless items!
Use This Genius Method to Revive Dirty White Socks
In this article, we’ll show you how to remove the dirt, the staining, and the greyness from white socks with regular home supplies.
9 Smart Ways to Store Your Clothes Without a Closet!
Don’t have a closet? No problem. Store your clothes using these handy tips.
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!
8 Adorable Mini Indoor Plants to Liven Up Any Small Space
These low-maintenance houseplants aren’t just cute, they hardly take up any space!
The Right Way to Fold a Sweater and Keep it Lasting Longer
This guide will teach you exactly how to fold your sweaters.
The Perfect Morning Guide: How to Start Your Morning Right
Are your co-workers not allowed to talk to you before you’ve had a cup of coffee? You probably need to change up your morning routine!
I've Used these Tips to Save Hundreds on My Groceries
Take a look at the following tips that I have used in recent months, to help me save hundreds of dollars on my groceries.
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower: 9 Tips
Is the water pressure really slow in your shower? Here’s what you should do to improve it.
WD-40: Here Are 12 Fantastic Uses You Never Thought Of
This is why you always need to keep a can of WD-40 on your property!
Follow These Steps To Develop Your Garden For Spring
These few handy tips will help in preparing your garden for a successful spring season.
Genius Hotel and Packing Tricks You’ll Surely Appreciate
These invaluable tricks will help you get around 18 common traveling problems, particularly those that deal with hotels and luggage packing...
10 Poisonous Flowers Every Gardener Should Know About
Flowers add an array of color to your garden, but some of these are actually quite toxic. Here are 10 of that you should be aware of.
Be Warned! This Battery Could Be a Danger to Your Home
If you use 9V batteries, you need to be aware of this vital information.
Give Old Furniture a New Lease of Life with These Tips
Give your old furniture a new lease of life with these 14 tips.
26 Handy Tips That'll Fit Any Kitchen
These tips will make you a master of the kitchen, full of little secrets and shortcuts...
Your Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs in Water All Year
This guide will teach you how to grow your own herbs in water.
39 Smart Cleaning Tips You Just Have to Try
You can never know enough about cleaning. In This Video you can finds 39 great cleaning tips to make your life much simpler.
These False Money-Saving Tips Will Make You Spend More
There are a lot of very common money management tips that are simply not true. These are 8 myths on saving that should be debunked.
How Can I Make Christmas More Affordable? - 12 Smart Tips
Save money this Christmas with these useful tips and hacks.
6 Handy Ways to Open a Bottle WITHOUT a Bottle Opener
Want to enjoy your bottle of beer but can't find the bottle opener? Don't worry. Try these clever hacks.
15 Signs of Infidelity That Are Too Easy To Miss
Unsure of whether your partner is having an affair? These 15 tips will give you a clear indication.
If You Wear These Shoes Often, You Are Damaging Your Feet
Wearing these shoes often can damage your feet!
9 Tips for Smelling Good All Day Long
Everyone feels self-conscious about the way they smell sometimes. These 9 tips will help you smell good and maintain it during the day.
7 Japanese Secrets to Staying Slim and Healthy!
The Japanese have their own ways of maintaining their weight.
Vodka Has Many More Uses Than You Ever Imagined!
Vodka is not just for use when you need a drink. Here are 16 uses for the Russian beverage that you've undoubtedly never thought of.
Sustainable Innovation: A 7-Seater Solar-Powered Bike
Now here is an example of sustainable innovation. This guy built a seven-seater solar bike bus from scrap.
WARNING: These 11 Carcinogens are Lurking in Your Home
There are many things lurking in our home that are dangerous to us, but these 11 items are the most surprising!
This Military Trick Will Have You Asleep in No Time!
Everyone can experience sleeping problems, especially soldiers and thanks to this military technique, you can now fall asleep quickly...
You Should be Growing These 10 Healthy Herbs at Home!
Make your diet a lot healthier by growing these healthy and delicious herbs.
These Cuts of Meat Aren't Popular, But They're Tasty!
Instead of tossing away all those meat parts that aren’t specifically called for in the recipe you’re following, save yourself some money and cook them up!
Shocking! How Thieves Steal Card Details at the ATM
Take note of some of the most common ways thieves will try to steal your credit card details.
4000 Years of History in One Glorious Map
In one incredible map we see thousands of years of history.
10 Products You Should Never Consume on a Plane
Eating on a plane is fine, but there are actually certain food and drinks that you should avoid consuming while flying. Here are 10 of them!
10 Essential Tips to Revamp Your Home on a Budget
Looking to renovate your home? Here's how to do so on a budget.
20 Gardening Tips That'll Turn Your Thumb Green
This video will help you grow just about anything.