Here's Why We Have the Advantage...

October 17, 2023 Rhoanne Urlanda

Welcome to Heart to Heart with Honeydew! This week, we learned about what people in the middle ages did for better sleep. And I will tell you how to do it better :)

In the Middle Ages, people practiced what is known as "segmented sleep" or "biphasic sleep."

Instead of sleeping in one continuous block of 7-9 hours, they would sleep for a few hours after sunset, wake up for a period in the middle of the night, and then go back to sleep until dawn.

This period of wakefulness, often referred to as the "watch" was a time for various activities such as reading, praying, or even visiting neighbors. It was a tranquil time, devoid of the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Now, I don't know about you - but I'm sure glad I live in the present day!

I've been really interested in what people used to do in the past to get better sleep. After all, we may be able to learn a bit from our ancestors! Here are some of the things I found:

Herbal Remedies: Many medieval folks turned to herbs to help induce sleep. Lavender and chamomile were popular choices. Valerian root was another commonly used herb, believed to treat insomnia.

Sleeping Positions: The medieval period saw a preference for sleeping in a semi-upright position. People believed that lying completely flat could invite death, as it resembled the posture of the deceased. Yikes!

Segmented Sleep: As mentioned earlier, the concept of "first sleep" and "second sleep" was prevalent. This biphasic sleep pattern was a natural response to the long hours of darkness in the winter months.

Protection from Evil Spirits: Superstitions ran high in the Middle Ages. To ward off nightmares or malevolent spirits that might disrupt sleep, people often placed protective charms or amulets under their pillows or beds.

Bedchambers: In medieval castles and homes of the wealthy, bedchambers were designed to maximize warmth and comfort. Canopy beds with heavy drapes became popular, not just for their aesthetic appeal, but because they provided an extra layer of warmth.

These practices offer a fascinating glimpse into the medieval mindset and the lengths to which people have always gone to ensure a good night's sleep. Which ones appeal to you??

💗Sleep tight, love💗

It's been a lot of fun for me to dive into the sleep of past times. I feel like I've learned a ton about what to try and even more about what not to try.

But the fact is, we now have SO many amazing ways to help you get better sleep.

Do you suffer from insomnia? There are treatments for that, both pharmaceutical and herbal.

Have terrible back pain? We now have life changing surgeries and the comfiest of beds and pillows to truly

make a difference. So when someone tells me that their sleep is lacking, I can't help but spew out all of the info I've come across (and tried myself!) in the last few years.

If you or someone you love is having a tough time with sleep - or even if you just want to give someone an amazing gift (yourself included...), this is what I would give.

It combines our best-selling pillow with the most amazing silky pillowcase. Not only will it fully support your neck throughout the night, but it will keep you cool and comfortable so that sleep is the last thing you're worried about.

I get it. I was there years ago...in pain...not able to get the sleep I desperately needed. But now we have options - much better than valerian and overwhelming, stuffy bed chambers.

Please take advantage of it!