Part 5/9:
While the complexities of sleeping arrangements are intriguing, the actual practice of sleep has undergone significant transformation as well. Historical accounts reveal that biphasic sleeping—where individuals slept in two distinct phases—was common until the late 17th century.
During this time, families would retire to bed around 9 or 10 PM but would awaken after a couple of hours for a period known as "The Watch." This break allowed for various activities like reading, sewing, or attending to livestock, typically conducted under the dim glow of oil lamps or candles.