Jade Small
Jade Small
October 24, 2024 ·  4 min read

The forgotten habit of ‘two sleeps’

As the clock struck eleven on a fateful night in April 1699, in a quaint village nestled in northern England, nine-year-old Jane Rowth stirred from a brief slumber. The moon cast eerie shadows across her modest home as she rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

The Unforeseen Visitors

Jane’s mother, Mrs. Rowth, rose from their shared bed, her movements deliberate as she approached the hearth. Lighting a pipe, she seemed unfazed by the shadows flickering in the dim light. Suddenly, two figures loomed at the window, calling out for Mrs. Rowth to prepare for an unknown journey with them. Jane would later recount how her mother appeared to anticipate their arrival, whispering a promise to her daughter: “Lie still, and I shall return by morning.” What seemed like a simple farewell soon turned tragic.

A Promise Unkept

That very night, Mrs. Rowth met a grim fate, brutally murdered and left to be discovered days later. The mystery surrounding her death lingered, leaving her daughter in a state of confusion and grief, unsure of the dark forces that had swept her mother away. Fast forward nearly three centuries and a historian named Roger Ekirch stumbled upon a curious piece of Jane’s testimony during his research at the Public Record Office in London.

The Discovery of “First Sleep”

Ekirch was poring over records from the Middle Ages to the Industrial Revolution, initially dreading the chapter on sleep. What could be new about a biological necessity? Yet, Jane’s reference to a “first sleep” ignited his curiosity. The notion suggested a sleep cycle far different from what we know today, hinting at a two-part night of rest.

An Unraveling Mystery

Determined to delve deeper, Ekirch combed through countless documents, unearthing instances of this biphasic sleep pattern. From mundane testimonies to darker accounts involving crime, he found that this phenomenon was woven into the fabric of 17th-century life. The term “first sleep” was not an anomaly; it was a norm. Even revered literary works like Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and Baldwin’s Beware the Cat alluded to this divided way of sleeping.

A Global Phenomenon

The concept transcended geographical boundaries. In various cultures, the practice was referred to as “premier somme” in France and “primo sonno” in Italy, with historical records showing its presence in diverse regions like Africa and South America. This led Ekirch to suspect that biphasic sleep was not merely a quirk of medieval England but a widespread human practice dating back to our prehistoric ancestors.

The Structure of Sleep in the 17th Century

So, what did a night of biphasic sleep look like in the 17th century? For many, the evening began with a retreat to beds made of straw, rags, or sometimes feathers for the fortunate. Sleep would commence between 9 PM and 11 PM, followed by a couple of hours of rest before a natural awakening around midnight. This interval, termed “the watch,” was a unique period for reflection, chores, and even socializing.

The “Watch” — A Time for Connection

The watch was not merely a pause in sleep; it was a rich tapestry of life. People would engage in quiet tasks, light chores, or even indulge in intimate conversations with bedfellows. It was a time for contemplation, for prayer, and often, for closeness. Couples found it an opportune moment for intimacy, and families bonded in the stillness of night.

The Shift in Sleep Patterns

Ekirch’s research unveiled how this biphasic sleep model gradually faded from societal norms, particularly after the Industrial Revolution. The advent of artificial light drastically altered our sleep habits, pushing people to stay awake later and compressing sleep into a single stretch. The change in societal rhythm, coupled with technological advances, transformed how we approach rest.

The Modern Implications

Today, many struggle with insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns, often fueled by anxiety about waking in the middle of the night. Yet, Ekirch suggests that such wakefulness was once a natural part of human existence. Understanding this historical context can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with disrupted sleep.

Embracing Our Sleep Legacy

Despite the societal shifts that have transformed our sleep habits, Ekirch reminds us that today’s conditions often favor deeper, uninterrupted rest. While we may no longer share midnight conversations or experience the profound clarity that comes with waking in the dark, we enjoy a safety and comfort that past generations could only dream of. The story of biphasic sleep is a testament to the adaptability of human beings and serves as a reminder of the rich history that informs our modern lives.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Sleep

In the quest for a good night’s rest, we may overlook the legacy of how our ancestors experienced sleep. While biphasic sleep may seem like a relic of the past, its echoes linger in our culture. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s essential to remember that sleep, like everything else, evolves. Embracing this history might just help us foster a healthier relationship with our own sleep patterns, reminding us that in a world of constant light and noise, there’s still beauty in the quiet of the night.

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