In ancient times, people had a different way of sleeping than we do today. Instead of one long period of sleep, they practiced what is called biphasic sleep, meaning they slept in two phases. This pattern was common in pre-industrial societies across various cultures and regions. In fact, the earliest mention of this sleep habit can be found in Homer's Odyssey.

While I never tried the ancient method of biphasic sleep, I sort of tried a version of it last year on days I worked from home and……..man……I enjoyed the quiet meditation periods tremendously! I would wake up at 3am, do my scripture readings, prayers and such, until about 4:30am, then go to the gym. Leave the gym at 530; come home, and sleep until about 730am. Start work at 8am. BUT, by 10am I was insanely sleepy again. It was just, bad. So, I dont recommend trying this. But to give you some background, read on…

Biphasic sleep worked by having people go to bed shortly after sunset, sleep for a few hours, and then wake up around midnight. During this wakeful period, which lasted a couple of hours, they would engage in quiet activities like reading, tending to children, meditating, or even eating a small meal. Afterward, they would return to bed and sleep until morning. This break in their sleep wasn’t seen as unusual or disruptive — it was a natural part of their routine.

One of the reasons people adopted this sleeping pattern was to avoid long periods of deep sleep, which could be dangerous in a time when safety wasn’t guaranteed. By sleeping in groups, with at least one person awake during the night, they could protect each other from potential threats. Additionally, this nighttime wakefulness allowed for a quiet time of reflection, prayer, or tasks that couldn’t be done during the day.

However, this way of sleeping started to disappear in the late 17th century, particularly among the upper classes in Northern Europe. The rise of artificial lighting during the Industrial Revolution meant that people could stay awake later into the evening, which eventually led to the more modern sleep pattern of monophasic sleep, where we sleep in one long stretch. Though biphasic sleep has faded, it reminds us that our bodies may still be tuned to older rhythms, and waking up during the night might not be as unusual as we think.

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In ancient Christian tradition, especially during the early monastic period, the midnight hours between sleep phases were often dedicated to prayer and meditation. This practice, sometimes called the "Midnight Office" or "Vigil," was a key part of the daily prayer cycle observed by monks and devout Christians. The midnight meditation had both spiritual and practical purposes, aligning with the biphasic sleep pattern common at the time.

One of the most well-known forms of midnight prayer was Vigils or the Nocturns, which were part of the Liturgy of the Hours. These prayers were conducted during the middle of the night, usually around midnight, and consisted of psalm recitations, readings from Scripture, and silent contemplation. The focus of these prayers was often on seeking closeness to God, repenting for sins, and preparing oneself spiritually for the coming day. Psalms were a significant part of this, with specific psalms such as Psalm 119 being recited because of its themes of meditation on God’s law during the night.

The early Christian monks and hermits, such as the Desert Fathers, including figures like St. Anthony the Great, would often rise in the middle of the night for prayer and spiritual reflection. This time was viewed as particularly sacred, a period of quiet when they could focus their hearts and minds on God without the distractions of daily life. Some early Christian texts encouraged these night vigils as a way of keeping one's spiritual watchfulness sharp, much like Jesus encouraged His disciples to "watch and pray" during the night before His crucifixion.

This practice was not limited to monasteries. Devout Christians across the Roman Empire also followed this pattern, waking in the middle of the night for prayer, hymns, or reading Scripture. It was seen as a way to remain spiritually vigilant, strengthen one’s faith, and connect deeply with God during the quietest and stillest time of the night. This midnight meditation fit naturally into the biphasic sleep cycle, with Christians using the waking period to pray before returning to their second phase of sleep.

Health Concerns with Biphasic Sleep

Biphasic sleep, where individuals split their sleep into two distinct periods, can sometimes lead to a few health concerns. One of the main issues is the potential disruption of the body's natural circadian rhythm, which can result in feelings of grogginess or fatigue during the day. This disruption might also affect the quality of sleep, leading to less restorative rest and potentially impacting cognitive functions such as memory and concentration. Additionally, if the sleep schedule is not consistent, it can lead to sleep deprivation, which is linked to a host of health problems including weakened immune function, increased stress levels, and even cardiovascular issues. It's also worth noting that social and work commitments might not always align with a biphasic sleep pattern, potentially causing stress or anxiety about fitting sleep into a busy schedule. While biphasic sleep can work well for some, it's important to listen to your body and ensure that your sleep pattern supports your overall well-being.

Here’s some ways to try Christian Meditation throughout the day:

• - Begin the day with the Jesus Prayer, repeating "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" as you rise and prepare for the day.

• - Engage in morning prayers, including the Trisagion Prayers, Psalms, and personal petitions, setting a spiritual tone for the day.

• - At the third hour (9 AM), pause for a brief prayer, recalling the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and ask for guidance and strength.

• - During midday, take a moment for the sixth hour prayer, reflecting on the crucifixion of Christ and seeking His peace and protection.

• - In the afternoon, observe the ninth hour prayer, remembering Christ's death on the cross, and offer prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.

• - As evening approaches, participate in Vespers, either in a community setting or privately, to give thanks for the day and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

• - Before retiring for the night, engage in Compline, a time for reflection, confession, and entrusting oneself to God's care during sleep.

• - Throughout the day, practice mindfulness and meditation by focusing on the presence of God in all activities, offering short prayers or moments of silence.

• - Incorporate the reading of lectionary scriptures.