How Medieval People Had The Best Sleep in History
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The idea that medieval people may have had some of the best sleep in history is gaining traction as researchers and historians revisit pre-industrial sleep patterns. Surprisingly, the way people slept in the past—particularly during the Middle Ages—might have been healthier and more aligned with our natural biology than modern routines.
Here’s what we know about medieval sleep, and why it may have been superior:
1. The Two-Part Sleep Pattern ("Segmented Sleep")
One of the most fascinating discoveries about medieval sleep comes from historical texts that reference a “first sleep” and “second sleep.”
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First sleep typically began shortly after sunset and lasted until around midnight.
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People would then wake for an hour or two, engaging in quiet activities—prayer, writing, reading by candlelight, even visiting neighbors or having sex.
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Second sleep followed, lasting until dawn.
This segmented sleep was considered normal, not insomnia. It’s mentioned in works by Chaucer, Pliny, and even medical texts of the time.
Modern sleep scientists, like Roger Ekirch, who published a landmark paper on this in 2001, suggest that this natural biphasic rhythm may match human circadian biology better than our compressed 7–8 hour sleep block today.
2. Lack of Artificial Light Helped Melatonin Production
Before electricity, people were governed by the natural rhythm of the sun and firelight. The absence of artificial blue light (like from smartphones or LED lights) meant melatonin production wasn't disrupted, allowing sleep to come more naturally.
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Firelight has a red/orange hue that doesn’t inhibit melatonin.
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Today, our exposure to screens and bright lights at night tricks the brain into thinking it's still daytime, leading to delayed or poor-quality sleep.
3. Natural Sleep Environments and Body Alignment
Medieval beds were often elevated, firm, and layered with wool or straw. While less luxurious than modern mattresses, they promoted better posture and reduced overheating due to natural materials.
People also used canopy beds or bed curtains, which:
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Blocked drafts and insects
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Retained warmth
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Provided darkness and privacy
4. Lower Stress Hormones and Modern Disruptors
While medieval life had its dangers, people didn’t experience:
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24/7 news cycles
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Constant digital stimulation
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Work emails at midnight
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Traffic, alarms, or synthetic chemicals disrupting sleep
Instead, life moved slower, and bedtime wasn't an afterthought, but part of the day’s natural rhythm.
5. More Physical Activity and Sunlight Exposure
Medieval people worked outdoors, physically active from dawn to dusk. This not only made them tired enough for restful sleep, but the sunlight exposure regulated their circadian clocks—something most indoor modern jobs disrupt.
So Why Did Segmented Sleep Disappear?
The Industrial Revolution played a big role:
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Gas lamps and electric lights pushed bedtime later.
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The 8-hour workday made a full night’s continuous sleep more convenient.
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Segmented sleep was gradually forgotten, replaced by the modern “monophasic” pattern.
Is Segmented Sleep Making a Comeback?
Some sleep researchers and enthusiasts are experimenting with segmented sleep again, especially among those who:
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Follow more natural daily rhythms
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Avoid screens at night
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Wake naturally without alarms
There’s growing evidence it can reduce sleep anxiety, improve dreaming, and help with insomnia.
Conclusion
Medieval people, living in tune with nature, candlelight, and biological rhythms, may have enjoyed deeper, more restorative sleep than many people do today. While modern life has brought comfort and convenience, it has also disconnected us from millennia-old sleep patterns that once helped humans thrive.
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