It’s not surprising to hear that not everyone gets a full, solid block of sleep each day. But how would you feel if we told you that some people sleep this way on purpose? And we’re not just talking about toddlers and babies. If you regularly partake in an afternoon siesta, you’re one of them. Yep, anyone who sleeps more than once a day is partaking in biphasic, or polyphasic, sleep. But what is biphasic sleep exactly and how does it work?
But there are some potential drawbacks when it comes to biphasic sleep. As with any change, it can take a while to adjust to and changing up your sleep pattern can disrupt your work and social lives – particularly if friends and colleagues have different schedules. There’s also not a huge amount of research that goes into the long-term effects of biphasic sleep, so it’s not yet confirmed whether adopting this routine for a long time is beneficial or not.
But, like we say, biphasic sleep isn’t for everyone. If you’re struggling to sleep and are looking for a natural solution, there are other avenues you can follow.
Sleep makes us healthy, full of vitality and improves our wellbeing. It’s one of life’s greatest gifts, so it’s important that you get it right. Whether you’re interested in trying a new biphasic sleep schedule, or investing in new bedding, we’re here with you every step of the way. Sleep easy with Woolroom.
What is biphasic sleep?
If you’re a biphasic sleeper, you split your sleep schedule into two blocks a day – whether that’s a full stint at night and a pick-me-up, day-time nap, or you wake up for a mid-night break (snacks are optional). This is also known as “segmented sleep” or “divided sleep”. Biphasic sleepers typically get less hours overall, but that will depend on your personal preference and needs.Biphasic vs. polyphasic sleep
The odds are that, if you’ve head of biphasic sleep, you’ve also probably heard of polyphasic sleep. But what is it? It’s fairly self-explanatory, really. During this schedule, sleepers will sleep in multiple segments each day, rather than in just one or two. It sounds a little chaotic, we know, but it works wonders for some. If it’s good enough for da Vinci, then it’s good enough for us! Polyphasic sleep basically allows people to maximise the time that they are awake by reducing their overall sleep time and boosting their energy levels throughout the day.Biphasic vs. monophasic sleep
Monophasic sleep is different again, and it’s the most common. As babies and toddlers, we are encouraged to take naps to make us less grouchy throughout the day (a thing of dreams for some adults!). But as we grow, we are trained to push these need aside and squeeze our sleep into one solid, overnight block. Most adults are monophasic sleepers. You’ve probably guessed it by now, but this means they only sleep once a day, typically for around eight hours at night.What does a biphasic sleep schedule look like?
Biphasic sleep schedules will look differently for everyone, but they typically come in two standard formats.- Two equal stints at night (3-4 hours each), with a break in the middle – typically referred to as ‘segmented sleep’
- One longer stint at night, for about 5-6 hours, with a day-time nap – this nap will typically last for half an hour for a quick boost, but it can last for up to 90 minutes for a little more revitalisation
Biphasic sleep benefits
- It’s adaptable to your needs and your work/life schedule
- More time spent in REM sleep, meaning better quality of sleep overall
- Better sleep means more energy throughout the day and increased productivity
- Improved ability to remember your dreams
Is biphasic sleep better for you?
As with all things sleep, it’s really down to personal preference. A biphasic sleep schedule works wonders for some people, while others prefer the classic monophasic sleep pattern. We’re aware that sounds like a bit of a cop-out, but it’s all about what’s best for number one.But there are some potential drawbacks when it comes to biphasic sleep. As with any change, it can take a while to adjust to and changing up your sleep pattern can disrupt your work and social lives – particularly if friends and colleagues have different schedules. There’s also not a huge amount of research that goes into the long-term effects of biphasic sleep, so it’s not yet confirmed whether adopting this routine for a long time is beneficial or not.
But, like we say, biphasic sleep isn’t for everyone. If you’re struggling to sleep and are looking for a natural solution, there are other avenues you can follow.
- Manage your routine: Set bedtimes aren’t just important for children – they can be beneficial for adults, too.
- Cut down on caffeine: You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again. If you’re hoping for better sleep, caffeine is not the way to go. The stimulants will keep your mind alert and distract your body from accepting that it’s time to sleep. The same can be said for spicy foods, or particularly sugary and fatty foods.
- Go offline: Switch your devices off at least half an hour before bed – yes, that includes the TV and your phone! We know it can be hard but we promise it will help in the long run.
- Switch up your bedding: I bet you didn’t know what your bedding could be what’s getting in the way of your good sleep. Synthetic bedding isn’t known to be breathable, which means it can leave you feeling clammy – and this invites unwanted dust mites and allergens to make a home in your bed – not to mention its effect on the environment. Instead, try investing in a more natural solution, like a wool bedding bundle. It’s hypoallergenic, breathable and temperature regulating, which has been proven to improve quality of sleep. Less time waking with sniffles and sweats, and more time sleeping!
Sleep makes us healthy, full of vitality and improves our wellbeing. It’s one of life’s greatest gifts, so it’s important that you get it right. Whether you’re interested in trying a new biphasic sleep schedule, or investing in new bedding, we’re here with you every step of the way. Sleep easy with Woolroom.
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