Embracing the Power of Biphasic Sleep: Boosting Well-Being and Cognitive Function through Daytime Napping

Biphasic sleep, for those unfamiliar with the concept, refers to the practice of dividing sleep into two separate periods throughout the day instead of solely at night. Some individuals prefer this method to rejuvenate their energy, while others opt for a single sleep phase.

Various examples of biphasic sleep patterns include daytime napping followed by nighttime rest or briefly waking during the night before dozing off again.

Under certain conditions, biphasic sleep may provide benefits. For instance, naps can be highly advantageous for young children, as they can aid in learning and development. Additionally, naps can be particularly useful for those residing in warmer climates. More generally, napping can boost alertness and cognitive function, support the immune system, enhance mental well-being, and alleviate stress.

Nonetheless, not everyone favors napping since it can occasionally result in sleep inertia, which causes grogginess upon waking. Furthermore, naps can make it more challenging to fall asleep at night, so individuals with insomnia are advised to avoid them.

According to historian and sleep expert Arthur Roger Ekirch, as cited by 'sciencefocus.com', it was common to have two distinct sleep periods before the Industrial Revolution. People would typically go to bed around 9-10 p.m., wake up for an hour or two after midnight, and then resume sleeping until daylight.