Getting eight hours of sleep during the Middle Ages, was unknown.
Men, women, and children in the medieval times, split their nights up into two sleep shifts - with an intermission during which they ate, drank, engaged in conversation, and carried out chores or administrative duties.
Called biphastic sleep, the first period of rest began soon after the sun went down, a natural time to rest the body.
After a few hours of slumber, individuals would rise for an hour or two before going back to bed.
The awake hours, based on historical records, could feature a 'hott drinke' or a chance to 'make water'
It was even advised that couples have intercourse during this period, because “they have more enjoyment” and “do it better.”
The second sleep then lasted until sunrise, when it was time start a new day.
Source~ https://www.medievalists.net
