129: How Humans Actually Slept!

About this episode

This episode explores ancestral sleep patterns, the science behind biphasic sleep, and practical sleep templates for modern schedules.

Most people assume eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is the biological default. It isn't. For the vast majority of human history, people slept in two distinct phases — waking naturally in the middle of the night for prayer, reflection, and quiet work before returning to sleep until dawn. In this episode, we explore what ancestral sleep patterns actually looked like, what the science says about biphasic and split sleep, and why your 3 AM wake-up might not be insomnia. We also break down ultradian rhythms, the overlooked biology behind your afternoon energy crash, and two practical sleep templates you can apply to a modern schedule. Your sleep doesn't need to be fixed. It might just need to be understood. Learn More: 85: Sleep Before Midnight: Does It Really Matter?: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/85-sleep-before-midnight-does-it-really-matter/ 82: Why You Can't Sleep: The Surprising Truth with Nicholas Stewart: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/82-why-you-cant-sleep-the-surprising-truth-with-nicholas-stewart/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago…

People in this episode

Host: Michael Kummer

Topics covered

• sleep patterns
• biphasic sleep
• ultradian rhythms
• health
• self improvement

Keywords

• sleep
• biphasic sleep
• ultradian rhythms
• health
• energy crash

Sponsors

Peluva

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Sleep Before Midnight: Does It Really Matter?, Why You Can't Sleep: The Surprising Truth with Nicholas Stewart

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