No, for most healthy people, sleeping in two phases (also known as biphasic sleep) is not recommended by experts. While historically, humans slept in two segments – a "first sleep" and a "second sleep" with a period of wakefulness in between – this practice is not considered optimal for modern lifestyles.
The History of Biphasic Sleep
For millennia, many cultures followed a biphasic sleep pattern, going to sleep in the evening, waking for a few hours, and then returning to sleep. This practice is well documented in historical accounts and may have been influenced by factors like shorter nights during certain seasons and differing societal activities. This segmented sleep was not determined by a set bedtime but rather by when tasks were complete. Historical research indicates a break in sleep was common for various activities such as socializing, prayer, or tending to household tasks.
Why Biphasic Sleep Is Not Recommended Now
The modern lifestyle makes a two-phase sleep schedule difficult to maintain. Our current work schedules and societal structures are not conducive to the interrupted sleep patterns of the past. Experts agree that a consolidated sleep schedule is generally better for most healthy individuals. It's challenging to maintain a biphasic sleep schedule with modern family and work commitments.
While some proponents suggest potential benefits such as improved cognitive function, there is limited scientific research directly supporting these claims. Furthermore, maintaining a consistent biphasic sleep schedule requires careful planning and adherence, which can be difficult in our ever-changing lives. Consideration should be given to the fact that most humans now sleep only once in a 24-hour period.
Conclusion
Although historically prevalent, a biphasic sleep pattern is generally not advisable for most individuals today due to the challenges posed by modern life and the lack of substantial scientific evidence backing its claimed benefits. There is little to suggest that biphasic sleep is superior to modern monophasic sleep patterns for most people. Instead, prioritizing a consistent, consolidated sleep schedule of seven to nine hours is recommended for optimal health and well-being.
