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UNUSUAL SLEEP PRACTICES IN THE MIDDLE AGES The 2 Acts of Medieval Slumber In the Middle Ages, most people didn’t sleep for eight uninterrupted hours like we do today. Instead, they had a “biphasic” sleep schedule, which means they had two sleep phases, with a brief period of activity in the middle. For first sleep, the household typically slept from 9–11 p.m. They slept on one single straw mattress. Everyone — including children, parents, and visitors — huddled on one bed. Despite the lack of space, they tried to make it as comfortable as possible with complex sleeping arrangements. Touching, kicking, or any other restless activity was considered rude. Meanwhile, girls slept closest to the wall, followed by boys, guests, and parents. While they didn’t have alarm clocks back then, they had an internal clock that woke them up around midnight. Once they woke, they had plenty to do. They refueled the fire, did farmwork, and prayed. Often, people socialized with each other, but the busy schedules of farming families cut down on chatting time. After they went to bed for a second sleep, they’d wake up at dawn. Not everyone kept to the schedule. Young children slept all night unless they woke up to the commotion. Benedictine monks dozed at 7 p.m. and woke at 2 a.m. for prayer, staying awake until an afternoon nap. Still, most people followed the two-part sleep schedule, and medieval medicine even discussed how to do it properly. For example, medical texts recommended that they lie on their right side during the first sleep and switch to the left on the second sleep. It’s really not that weird — research suggests that biphasic sleep is quite natural and influenced more by lifestyle compatibility, which means the eight-hour schedule likely evolved as cultures industrialized. Our emphasis on uninterrupted slumber also coalesces with our invention of modern mattresses, and this may not be a coincidence. Sleeping through the night is much more enjoyable if you lie down on a soft mattress than a bed of prickly straw.
Some wounds may require protection with a bandage or an e-collar to prevent licking during the healing process. While some injuries demand intensive treatments, more surface-level wounds often respond well to topical therapies, ensuring healing for our furry companions. Making sure your pet receives the proper treatment is paramount to their health and well-being. You can help your pet recover from injuries and illnesses by promptly seeking veterinary care and following treatment plans. Petersen Pet Hospital prioritizes your pet’s health above all else. If your pet requires veterinary care, give us a call today!
—Dr. Sarah Young
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup grated carrot • 3/4 cup peanut butter, chunky • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce • 1/2 cup pumpkin purée • 1/4 cup water
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2 eggs
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
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1 tsp ground cinnamon 4 tbsp whole wheat flour, or as needed
DIRECTIONS 1. Position racks in upper and lower thirds of the oven, then preheat to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk grated carrot, peanut butter, applesauce, pumpkin purée, water, and eggs together until thoroughly combined. Stir in flour and cinnamon with a spoon until incorporated and dough holds together. 3. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to an even 3/8-inch thickness. Cut with 3/4-inch cookie cutters and place on the prepared baking sheets about 1/2 inch apart. 4. Bake for 6 minutes. Switch racks and continue baking until edges are firm and golden brown, another 6–7 minutes. Cool for 3–5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
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