Why We Don’t Sleep Like Our Ancestors: Surprising Sleep Secrets

Sleep is something we all experience, yet it remains one of the most fascinating and complex aspects of our lives. At Devon Duvets, we believe understanding the history and cultural variations of sleep can help us appreciate how it shapes our health and well-being today. Let’s delve into the story of how sleep has evolved over time and explore how this knowledge can inspire better rest in our modern world.

Before the Industrial Revolution, sleep looked very different from the way it does now. From the 16th to the early 19th century, people commonly experienced what historians call “segmented sleep.” Nights were divided into two distinct periods: the “first sleep” and the “second sleep,” with a wakeful interval in between. During this period of wakefulness, people would pray, meditate, read by candlelight, or even visit neighbours.

Why did people sleep this way? The absence of artificial lighting meant their schedules were dictated by the natural rhythms of daylight and darkness. The wakeful period wasn’t considered a disruption; it was a natural and often productive part of the night.

This pattern began to change with the rise of industrialisation. Factory schedules and artificial lighting introduced a more regimented approach to time, consolidating sleep into one uninterrupted block. Although this shift increased efficiency, it also distanced us from our body’s natural rhythms. Today, some sleep scientists suggest that waking briefly at night might not be a sign of insomnia but rather a throwback to this historical pattern.

While segmented sleep faded in Europe, other cultures maintained unique approaches to rest.

In Spain, the siesta remains an iconic tradition. This short midday nap helps counter the natural dip in energy levels after lunch, allowing people to recharge and maintain productivity for the rest of the day.

In Japan, the practice of “inemuri,” or “sleeping while present,” reflects the country’s relentless work ethic. Taking a brief nap in public or at work is seen not as laziness but as a sign of dedication—a fascinating contrast to Western attitudes toward napping.

These cultural practices highlight the diversity in sleep habits worldwide, demonstrating that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to rest. At Devon Duvets, we embrace this concept with our innovative THREE duvets system, which allows couples to customise their bedding according to individual comfort needs. Whether one partner prefers a lightweight option while the other needs extra warmth, our modular design ensures both get the perfect night’s sleep.

Fast forward to today, and our modern lifestyles pose new challenges to sleep. The constant exposure to blue light from screens delays melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Stress and anxiety from our busy lives further compound the problem, with many people struggling to achieve the recommended seven to nine hours of rest per night.

Creating a calming bedtime routine can make a world of difference. Simple changes like dimming lights, avoiding screens before bed, and choosing natural bedding materials can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Pairing these practices with personalised bedding solutions, such as our THREE duvets system, adds another layer of comfort and adaptability to your sleep environment.

The story of sleep—from segmented patterns to cultural traditions—teaches us that rest is deeply personal and influenced by many factors. Whether it’s embracing the flexibility of a siesta, understanding that waking briefly at night might be natural, or customising your bedding to suit your unique needs, these lessons remind us that better sleep is within reach.

At Devon Duvets, we’re proud to help people rediscover the joy of restful sleep through natural, handcrafted products. Our THREE duvets system exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability, offering a tailored solution for couples with different sleeping preferences.

Sleep isn’t just a nightly routine; it’s a reflection of how we live, work, and connect with the world. By understanding the past and drawing inspiration from global practices, we can create a sleep environment that truly meets our needs.

If you’re ready to transform your sleep, explore our range of sustainable, handcrafted bedding—including the innovative THREE duvets—at devonduvets.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts: What sleep traditions or tips have worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Segmented sleep refers to a historical sleep pattern where people would divide their night into two distinct periods of rest, known as the “first sleep” and the “second sleep.” In between these periods, they would have a wakeful interval lasting one to two hours. During this time, people might pray, meditate, read, or even socialise with neighbours.

This pattern was common from the 16th to the early 19th century, largely due to the absence of artificial lighting. Life was dictated by natural light, and the long hours of darkness encouraged this two-phase sleep cycle. The wakeful period was not seen as a disruption but rather a natural and productive part of the night.

The rise of industrialisation and the introduction of artificial lighting eventually consolidated sleep into one continuous block, aligning rest with modern work schedules.

Yes, segmented sleep had certain benefits. The wakeful interval provided people with time for quiet reflection, creativity, and even social connection. Some researchers believe this pattern allowed for a more natural alignment with the body’s circadian rhythms, reducing the anxiety often associated with waking up at night.

In modern times, if you wake up in the middle of the night, it might be a sign that your body is reverting to this older pattern. Sleep scientists suggest that instead of stressing about it, you can use this time for calm breathing exercises or light, relaxing activities to ease back into sleep.

Cultural sleep practices vary widely and are influenced by local customs, climates, and lifestyles. For example:

• Spain: The siesta, a short midday nap, remains a beloved tradition in many Spanish-speaking countries. It helps people recharge during the hottest part of the day, aligning with the body’s natural dip in energy levels after lunch.
• Japan: “Inemuri,” or “sleeping while present,” is a culturally accepted practice in Japan. Taking a brief nap in public or at work is seen as a sign of dedication and hard work rather than laziness.
  

These practices reflect the adaptability of sleep habits to different cultural needs. They also highlight the importance of customising rest to fit individual lifestyles.

Modern lifestyles introduce several challenges to achieving quality sleep:

• Exposure to Blue Light: The use of screens before bed delays melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
• Stress and Anxiety: Busy schedules and high stress levels can make it difficult to unwind at night.
• Irregular Sleep Schedules: Shift work or inconsistent routines disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms.

To combat these challenges, it’s essential to create a calming bedtime routine. Simple steps like dimming lights, avoiding screens before bed, and choosing comfortable bedding can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

Learning about historical sleep habits, such as segmented sleep, can reduce anxiety about waking up at night. Instead of viewing nighttime wakefulness as a problem, you can see it as an opportunity for quiet reflection or relaxation. This perspective shift can help alleviate stress and promote a healthier relationship with sleep.

Additionally, embracing flexibility in sleep—as seen in cultural practices like siestas or inemuri—can inspire more adaptable approaches to rest that suit individual needs and schedules.

At Devon Duvets, we recognise that sleep is deeply personal. That’s why we developed the THREEduvets system, a modular duvet solution designed to cater to different sleeping preferences within the same bed. Here’s how it works:

• Customisation: Each partner can choose their preferred duvet weight or filling—whether lightweight, medium, or warm—ensuring individual comfort.
• Shared Comfort: The design seamlessly combines two individual duvets into one, allowing couples to sleep harmoniously while meeting their unique needs.

By addressing the diverse needs of sleepers, the THREEduvets system offers a modern solution inspired by the concept 

Creating a sleep-conducive environment involves a combination of good habits and the right products:

• Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens at least an hour before bed to minimise blue light exposure.
• Dimming Lights: Lower the brightness in your room to signal your body that it’s time to rest.
• Invest in Quality Bedding: Natural materials like wool are breathable and help regulate body temperature, ensuring comfort throughout the night.
• Personalised Solutions: Use products like the THREEduvets system to cater to your unique preferences and those of your partner.

By making small, deliberate changes, you can create an environment that promotes relaxation and restorative sleep.

Natural bedding materials, such as wool, are essential for improving sleep quality because they are:

• Breathable: Wool helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Hypoallergenic: Natural materials are resistant to dust mites and other allergens, promoting a healthier sleep environment.
• Sustainable: At Devon Duvets, we use ethically sourced materials to create products that are both eco-friendly and comfortable.

Choosing natural bedding is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your sleep experience while supporting sustainable practices.

By understanding the history and cultural diversity of sleep, you can take actionable steps to improve your rest. Visit devonduvets.com to explore our range of natural, handcrafted bedding and find the perfect solution for your sleep needs. If you would like to know more about our THREE Duvets Range please do not hesitate to get in touch.