Could Two Naps Be Better Than One Long Sleep For Wyomingites?

Health experts across the world will tell you that there are certain health practices that if you're consistent and prioritize them, you're body will benefit greatly from them. One is drinking water, the other is sleep. Getting a proper amount of sleep is essential for you and for those around you. If you don't get enough sleep, there's a chance you're not going to be pleasant to be around.

I think about the times when explorers and homesteaders were heading across the wide-open plains through Wyoming, you know, they had to be grumpy all the time. Not only were they walking or riding a horse all day, but when it came time to sleep, it was on the ground, and for a few hours before the walking started again.

I also think about those early Wyoming settlers who left the East with a dream, only to end up in Wyoming in the middle of winter with a frozen dream. You work to build a house to keep your family warm and safe, so you start a fire and have to keep that fire burning. You wake up in the middle of the night to add more wood to the fire, then maybe get back to sleep for a couple of hours.

That way of sleeping actually has a name: it's called Biphasic Sleep.

Historically, it was a natural sleeping pattern characterized by sleeping in two shorter periods, rather than one long period of sleep. They'd fall asleep and sleep for 3 to 4 hours, then get out of bed for an hour or 2, and head back to sleep for a couple more hours.

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I've known a few people who still use this sleep pattern. Everyone I've met who works this way has to wake up early to go to work. They'll sleep for a few hours, then wake up to do everyday family life things, then go back to sleep late at night. They're able to maintain a sense of normalcy while living a life of early rising. I'm not the type of person who can do that, because once I'm awake, I'm awake. There's never a possibility of falling back to sleep.

If you're interested, the Sleep Foundation offers a few tips to help you start a Biphasic Sleep pattern.

• Choose the Biphasic schedule that works best for you.
  • Siesta Sleep Schedule: 60 - 90 minute siesta in the middle of the day, then 5 to 6 hours of sleep at night
  • Midday Nap Sleep Schedule: A short 20 - 30 minute nap at midday, followed by 6-7 hours of sleep at night.
  • First/ Second Sleep Schedule: Considered the original schedule. First sleep is typically 3 -4 hours. Wake up and be productive for an hour or two, then return to sleep for 3-4 hours.
• Setting Up The Schedule
  • Determine the sleep schedule that works best for you, and then stick with it for at least a week.
  • Schedule your meals, naps, and bedtimes to receive the best rest possible.
• Stay consistent with your times.
  • Not getting the proper sleep can hurt you more than help you, especially when it comes to your health.
• Avoid light
  • 30 to 60 minutes before your sleep time, avoid excessive light and try to minimize artificial light from electronic devices.
• Sleep Hygiene
  • Eating and getting enough exercise
  • Keep your sleep area dark, cool, and quiet
  • Use your bed for "bed things," not just hanging out.
  • Limit caffeine before sleeping.
  • Follow a calming routine before bedtime.