Part 5/9:
During these hours of wakefulness, individuals participated in an array of activities: household chores, tending to livestock, or simply sharing intimate moments with partners. This "sacred time," as Heather describes it, was an opportunity for personal reflection and connection—an essential aspect of life that faded over centuries.
Historical Roots and Evolution of Sleep Patterns
The origins of biphasic sleep stretch back through millennia, with sources from ancient texts suggesting this was the norm even among our prehistoric ancestors. Researchers theorize that sleeping in two segments served an adaptive purpose, allowing individuals to remain vigilant against nighttime dangers, much like various animals in the wild that exhibit similar sleeping habits.