Have you ever awoke in the middle of the night and wondered why you can’t sleep through until morning? What if waking up at night was actually normal?
People today believe we should sleep 7–8 hours in one long stretch. But for most of history, humans didn’t sleep that way. Vikings—and many others—used a pattern called biphasic sleep, which means “two-part sleep.” It may have helped them sleep better than we do today.
What Is Biphasic Sleep?
Biphasic sleep means sleeping in two parts. People would go to bed soon after sunset, sleep for a few hours (called “first sleep”), then wake up for an hour or two. After that, they would go back to bed and sleep until sunrise (“second sleep”).
This pattern was common in many cultures before electricity. Old books and records describe people doing things like praying, talking, reading, or thinking during the middle-night wake time. They weren’t stressed about being awake—it was normal and even useful.
How Vikings Slept
Vikings didn’t have lights, alarms, or screens. They followed the sun’s cycle. After long, active days of farming, fishing, or traveling, they were tired. They ate dinner early and went to bed in dark homes called longhouses.
These homes were perfect for sleep—quiet, warm, and dark. And when they woke up in the middle of the night, it wasn’t seen as a problem. They would use the time to tend the fire, talk, relax, or even visit neighbors.
Vikings didn’t worry about their sleep like we do. They let nature guide them.
Why Did We Stop Sleeping This Way?
Biphasic sleep changed during the Industrial Revolution. When gas lamps and electric lights became common, people stayed up later. Factory jobs made people follow strict schedules. Over time, the idea of “8 hours of sleep in a row” became the new rule.
But our bodies still remember the old way. Many of us wake up at night and feel upset, thinking we have insomnia. But really, we may just be following our natural rhythm.
What This Means for You
Waking up at night doesn’t always mean something is wrong. It may be part of how humans are meant to sleep. If you wake up, stay calm. Don’t check your phone or worry. Try reading, stretching, journaling, or simply resting.
You can also help your body by:
Going to bed earlier
Using less light at night
Avoiding screens before bed
Keeping your room dark and cool
Sleep Like a Viking
Vikings didn’t track their sleep or take sleep aids. They followed their bodies and nature. Their two-part sleep gave them deep rest without stress.
Maybe it’s time we listen to our bodies, too.
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