You may find yourself grabbing sleep whenever you’ve got the option to.
But does that provide the reset your brain and body needs?
What Is Segmented Sleep?
Segmented sleep is also known as biphasic sleep or polyphasic sleep, theSleep Foundationnotes.
Biphasic sleep refers to sleeping in two phases while polyphasic sleep breaks bedrest down into several segments.
Segmented sleep has roots dating back to ancient civilization and was common through the early 19th century.
Then theyd head back to bed for a second sleep that lasted until morning.
In some cultures, segmented sleep in some shape or form still exists.
Is Segmented Sleep Healthy?
You arent getting the throw in of sleep architecture that you want, Dr. Carney says.
Carney notes that the timing of your sleep is important too.
Drerup suggests segmented sleep is unsustainable, and may even lead to sleep deprivation.
There is no evidence that segmented sleep is linked to any physiological benefits, Drerup says.
That would scramble your circadian rhythm, he says.
Youre better off napping in the early morning or afternoon.
This way, youll feel more tired and ready for a snooze when nighttime rolls around.
Additional reporting byAlice Martin.
Chester Wu, MD, is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine.
Carmen Chai is a Canadian journalist and award-winning health reporter.
Her interests include emerging medical research, exercise, nutrition, mental health, and maternal and pediatric health.
Her work has also appeared in theToronto Star,Vancouver Province,and theNational Post.
She received a bachelors degree in journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto.
What Makes Someone a Light or Heavy Sleeper?
