While on a summer break from her graduate program in medieval literature, Anna Fox, 26, of North Carolina, decided to test the sleeping habits of people in the Middle Ages. Historical records describe a “first sleep” followed by a period of wakefulness and then a “second sleep.” Fox set her own alarm to wake about four and a half hours after falling asleep, then stayed up for a few hours before returning to bed.
Four‑week experiment
Fox began the routine by going to bed around 9:30 p.m. and waking at roughly 2 a.m. She used the intervening hours to read, write poetry, journal, and compose letters—activities she says she normally postpones for phone scrolling or other instant‑gratification habits. After the first two weeks she adjusted her schedule, sometimes going to bed at sunset and waking naturally around 3 a.m. or 5 a.m.
She admits the practice was not always easy. “There were definitely nights where it was a battle of the will and I really didn’t want to get up,” Fox said. “I’m not a very self‑controlled person, so I had to really force myself.” Nevertheless, she found the quiet hours “lovely” and “peaceful,” describing a sense of accomplishment that carried into the morning.
Feeling more alert
Despite often getting less total sleep than her usual routine, Fox says she felt less groggy and less dependent on the snooze button. “I was completely exhausted for the first months of the summer, but I became a lot more alert,” she explained. She also noted that reducing phone light before bed and increasing physical activity in the evening helped the schedule feel more natural.
Fox’s experiment prompted her to reconsider how she spends her waking hours. “It made me realize there was so much instant gratification and wasted time instead of using time wisely,” she said. By carving out a dedicated block for creative work, she reports higher productivity and a stronger sense of intentional living.
Future plans
While she does not intend to follow the medieval pattern every night, Fox says she will likely return to it when she wants dedicated creative time or spiritual contemplation. “There’s something really magical about those hours,” she added. She is even contemplating repeating the experiment for an entire summer break next year to see if it can support a full academic term.
Fox’s personal study adds to a growing interest in historical sleep patterns and their potential benefits for modern wellness, especially for those seeking to reduce screen time and improve focus.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
