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, one in the evening 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.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second best time is today.” –Confucius I have always treasured spending time outdoors, and seeing that Earth Day is in April, I can’t help but think of one of my favorite quotes. There are many fond memories from my childhood of playing out in the woods or getting my hands dirty while gardening. As an added reason to celebrate Earth Day, my wife shares a birthday with the nature-centric holiday. One of the best ways to spend Earth Day is simply by immersing yourself in nature. Not only are the beauties of the planet a lovely sight to take in, but there are numerous physical and emotional benefits to spending time outdoors. So, here are some of my favorite ways to build a deeper connection with the natural world. Take a Walk Go outside for a walk and focus on being present in the moment, enjoying the fresh air and different elements of nature as you stroll. Your body needs sunlight to help create vitamin D, essential for healthy bones, blood cells, and the immune system. Being outdoors in the sun can also keep your serotonin and energy levels high. Walking in nature can even improve your sleep cycle by triggering your body’s internal clock. If you walk in the grass barefoot, there are even more benefits, and it’s a method to feel genuinely connected to the planet. Clean Up You can enjoy the outdoors while giving back to the Earth by picking up litter at a local park or another outdoor space with your family. Garbage is often dangerous for plants and animals and deters visitors from enjoying the wonderful nature right in their own communities. Involving your children instills the importance of environmental stewardship early and encourages them to continue caring for nature throughout their lives. Get Your Green On EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE THIS EARTH DAY
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
Plant a Tree If you are able, plant a tree. A special kind of magic happens when we get our hands in the dirt to grow something. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, clean the air, and sustain
invention of modern mattresses, and this may not be a coincidence. Sleeping is much more enjoyable if you lie down on a soft mattress than a bed of prickly straw.
local wildlife. You can plant a tree in your yard or contact local organizations to see if they seek volunteers to plant trees. Alternatively, you can grow a vegetable garden or a new flower bed.
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