Westerners may not be used to the concept of sleeping twice in a day. But most countries in the East follow this pattern, which we refer to as biphasic sleep. Sleeping during the nights for 7-8 hours at a stretch is what we refer to as monophasic sleep. At the same time, many animals follow polyphasic sleep, which is taking several naps during a day. This polyphasic sleep pattern is mostly observed in infants. Thus, as mentioned above, biphasic sleep refers to napping twice in a 24-hour schedule.
Biphasic Sleep:
Most of us are aware of a ‘siesta’. A siesta is an early afternoon short nap that one usually takes after having his/her lunch. People living in warmer countries tend to practice siesta. When it comes to the ‘sleeping twice in a day’ pattern, one may choose to sleep during any time and not necessarily in the afternoons only.
For instance, if a monophasic sleeper sleeps at an 8-hour stretch, a biphasic sleeper would choose to split the same 8 hour period into a 2-6, 3-5 or sometimes 4-4 kind of schedule depending on one’s needs. In the end, they manage to get their 2 naps for sure.
The Benefits of Sleeping Twice:
Several studies indicate that people who sleep twice in a day have their mental health improved, as sleep provides our brain with the required rest. One reason why monophasic sleepers feel drained out after a long day’s work is because their brain has become sluggish after a long day’s work.
- Napping between your work will refresh the mind and rejuvenate the brain function. Depending on one’s work schedule, it is necessary that one grabs the required sleep during office hours to keep the brain sharp.
- Another advantage of biphasic sleep is that it reduces the long stretch sleep. For instance napping for an hour or two during the day will enable an 8 hour sleeper to reduce his/her sleep to 7 hours there by decreasing the necessity to compensate for a tiring day.
