Your Ancestors Didn’t Sleep the Way You Do

March 29th, 2018

By Dr. Edward F. Group

Guest writer for Wake Up World

Nobody questions the importance of getting enough sleep. At minimum, it’s essential for rejuvenating the mind and revitalizing the body. But, what is enough? And what does it look like? Many people find they wake during the night and wonder if they’re suffering from a sleep disorder or other health issue. While that could be totally possible, it’s also possible that sleep may not be an all-night thing. In fact, historical records, centuries-old literature, and ancient references to sleep are all revealing a whole new way we should be looking at how we slumber.

Segmented Sleep: More Normal Than You Realize

If waking up during the night is a frequent “problem” for you, you might wonder if you’re suffering from insomnia or sleep apnea. “Segmented sleep” is a seemingly irregular sleep pattern that may not be a disorder at all, but a natural biological response that we, in modern times, have forgotten.

English scholar Roger Ekirch cemented the idea that our ancestors used to naturally practice segmented sleep, using their middle-of-the-night waking hours to pray, meditate, create, or finish chores around the home. [1] Roger Ekirch found references to “first sleep” and “second sleep” in literature, legal documents, and even letters written before the Industrial Revolution.

Many who practice segmented sleep find the in-between hour or hours to be one of the most relaxing periods. This may be because this middle period between first sleep and second sleep is around midnight where the brain produces prolactin, a hormone that supports a feeling of relaxation.

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Recommended articles by Dr. Edward Group:

• The 9 Best Fermented Foods for Your Gut
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• 7 Best Foods to Support Kidney Function
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• How Does the Alkaline Diet Affect Gut Health?

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