Rediscovering the 'Second Sleep': A Historical Perspective on Modern Insomnia

For much of human history, sleep was naturally divided into two nightly segments. The shift to a single continuous sleep, mainly due to artificial lighting and societal changes, has altered our body's rhythms. Understanding this evolution provides insights into modern sleep patterns and the experience of insomnia.

Throughout history, sleep patterns were radically different, with most people dividing their rest into two segments each night, known as the 'first sleep' and 'second sleep.'

This practice, observed across various cultures, changed with the advent of artificial lighting, which encouraged longer periods of wakefulness and a single block of nighttime rest.

This historical shift sheds light on modern insomnia challenges and offers potential strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, for managing sleep disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)