I have done this for fifty years, I sleep for four or five hours, I get up and do a variety of things that need to be done. I empty the dishwasher, write in my journal, clean the refrigerator, clean the oven, do laundry what ever needs to be done. Then after a couple of hours I go back to bed. So glad to hear others are doing the same thing.
My mom had 10 children. In her 50's she went to college and got 2 degrees. She did all of her school work in the middle of the night. She also wrote a book, probably when my dad and the kids still at home were sleeping. Just for your information, she is in her 90's now and doing very well so it didn't seem to affect her health at all. I cant wait to tell her about this video.
This totally describes my sleep cycle in the past two years since my husband passed, I'm 70. Everyone tells me something is wrong with me however I feel totally rested during the day, never take naps. Thanks for the information Blessings to you from Texas. .
My sleep pattern has totally changed (I'm 64) in the last few years. I have gotten sleep studies, taken meds...you name it. I literally sleep (like you) 4-5 hours and then wake up...totally awake for about 2 hours. I finally resigned to struggling with it which made it worse, and instead working on making peace with this new rhythm of mine. I do know after researching, that our sleep architecture does change as we age, so it is common to sleep in lighter stages longer, therefore, waking more. I like your ideas, as it is difficult to know what to do in this window of night. Thank you for your suggestions and always nice to know that I am not alone. :)
Hi Margaret, I wake up about 3 am and go to the kitchen for a bowl of cereal. Then I go back to bed and fall asleep quickly. The carbs in the cereal do the trick for me. I like the pattern. Love the quiet time.
This video is packed with wonderful ideas. I ,too, wake up naturally between 0200-0300. I am guilty of checking my phone 😂 but I have learned to keep low lighting. I do simple chores, tasks, laundry,empty dishwashers, bathroom cleaning, light reading , meditation, express gratitude to my maker, reflection, praying for others, and seeking guidance on how I can help others in need. I return for "second" sleep around 0330. Yes, it is less stressful and accomplished chores, so enjoy the quiet hours while the world is asleep in my time zone. So peaceful and surreal. P. S. I learned from you to wall paper journals with cute and colorful wallpaper. Makes me happy when I open to journal, take notes in classes I attend, and give away to others who need" a pick me up." Thank you, Margaret. You are a motivator. I am thankful for your channel! ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for this timely video❗❗The last few years I have started waking up at about 2 and find myself tossing and turning until about 4!! I think next time I will get up and find activities to occupy myself😂😂
Hi Margaret. My usual sleep pattern is going to bed between 9:30-10.00. I sleep very deeply and wake up around 2 am - 3am fully awake. I get up and have a cup of tea and then go back to sleep around 4am and sleep until 6 - 7am. It bothered me for years but now I just go with the flow. Sometimes I will have a nanny nap for 20 minutes which seems to be all I need.
Fascinating !!! I have been wondering about my sleep lately. I am up in this sleep pattern lately. My second sleep is maybe 3 or 4 am until 7 or 8 first is around 9 til 12. Oh my gosh what an eye opener . Last night I was up usual 2 am got up opening my sliding doors to feel the fresh air on my face . Being aware of this takes so much pressure off . I think for many of us now retired our bodies were so programmed from years of work using alarm clocks etc and we didn’t know our own body rhythm . Such an eye opener ❤️
Hello Margaret, this is the way I have survived for years. I have seldom ever been able to sleep all night even when young. This was problematic while I was a teacher and had a longish commute to the school I worked in but I really believe the harm comes from the unnecessary worry and stress of not getting enough sleep and not really from the actual deficit of sleep itself. My pets and I have enough restful sleep and quiet time, creative hobbies, and unhurried relaxing quality time to spend in our large garden...! Now retired I no longer have to worry about clock watching or timetables and schedules that would kill a horse!! We love to share the swinging seat in the moonlight as our property is sheltered and secluded from public view by mature trees and is very private and secure. My favourite quiet activity is to make a cup of tea recline with feet up pets on my knee and say my prayers. Praying and especially the Rosary is a form of meditation for me. New subscriber from Northern Ireland ❤
Fantastic! I’m a segmented sleeper too and have been on a journey to accept this and use the time awake to listen to comforting audiobooks, guided meditations, and soothing podcasts like the Nothing Much Happens podcast. Thank you for sharing your experience and suggestions for other interim activities. I’m never tired during the day, practice all the recommended sleep “hygiene” from the sleep “experts” but I’m beginning to think they’re missing how their advice might neglect alternative sleep styles for those of us who are retired and have the freedom to live in accordance with own rhythms rather than society’s imposed schedules.
This has been my sleep pattern for years, as well. I knew that it is common. I did not know that it had documented history. In the Gospel, it mentions that Jesus came down from the mountain in the morning. He was in prayer during the 3rd watch of the night 3 until 6 a.m. So, theologians have always said that if you get up in the night, pray. That to me was a comforting thought. It gave the wakeful period purpose. When I'm up, I usually empty the dishwasher and start a load of laundry. I check on my cat to make sure she has what she needs. The time is not wasted.
I go to sleep at 00.00 and wake up before 04 in the morning. I get up, walk the dog, have some breakfast, read a book and then at 08 I go to sleep another 4 hours. Works great for me.
I like this idea and attitude towards wakeful periods at night. Like you, I often wake up for a couple of hours and then go back to sleep. It's much less stressful to accept the pattern and embrace it with a quiet activity. My sleep patterns have changed over the last few years (I'm 65) - I used to say that sleeping was one of my talents as I could fall asleep easily and sleep for a solid 8 hours. Now I still fall asleep easily but have wakeful periods at night. I'm glad you discussed this and normalised it and I know that I'm not alone
A baby boomer retired 10 yrs. The past couple yrs my sleep pattern has changed. I'm up approx 2-3 am. I don't fight it as I use the peaceful quiet time to exercise for the day. I'll fill my diffuser with one of my favorite scents than do my squats, weight training, etc. I want to stay strong. Then I write in my gratitude journal the things I appreciate in life. Other times I may do a load of laundry or cook some nutritious squash/zucchini or some turnip greens. Easily go back to sleep after either accomplishment. Interesting topic Margaret! Not uncommon at all!
I do segmented sleep like you do. Its normal to me. I call it creative time. I think really good in the early morning. I enjoy organizing my bills, or things to sew. Once a week I'll sleep a solid 7 hours, guess my body needs that. Good thing im in a house so i dont disturb the neighbors at all. I live in a 100 year old Sears Robeck catalog home, very common here in Ohio. Its bottom half is made if bricks. Just love being retired.
I wake up around 3AM/3:30AM but I don't get up unless need to use the bathroom. I try to get back to sleep and sometimes I do. If I can't get back to sleep I start reading in bed and then try again to sleep. Once in a while I just can't get back to sleep but I won't get out of bed until 6AM. That's my rule: not getting up before 6AM. If I was to start getting up earlier than 6AM, then I feel it will become a habit. I feel that ideally you wake up when the sun rises (dawn) but with daylight savings time, it often just does not work. I dislike daylight savings time. It's always such an adjustment. Since I am retired, I don't worry about getting enough sleep. Used to stress me out when I was working because I worried that I wouldn't function well at my job. These sleep patterns didn't start until I got older. I used to sleep all night long but those days are long gone.
Thanks, Margaret! That is my sleep pattern. I try to schedule my appointments in the afternoon, except for my wellness check. Which I am going to talk to my care provider about segmented sleep. I have been awake since 1:20am and now going back to sleep at 4am. rest well ladies.
I often wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning now that I'm older. I was concerned, but found that if I get up and do a few things I'm tired again in an hour or two. Recently I heard a TH-cam video, C S Lewis: " If you wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning, do these things" i think it's pretty common and thank you for addressing it and noting that if you fight it, it just leads to stress. It might mean a nap sometimes, but that's OK too. As usual, love following your videos!
I'm not a good sleeper. I go to bed around 1 a.m. I'm able to fall asleep quickly but wake up alot throughout the night. I have found that listening to audio books helps lull me back to sleep pretty quickly. Cozy mysteries work for me. The soothing narrations and not-too-involved plotlines seem to calm my brain enough that sleep soon follows. Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions, I'll have many options now for when my audio stories fail me!
So funny Margaret. My brother and I discuss this sleep or lack of often. We both have this same problem. I am 76 and he is 81. So glad to see we are not the only ones. 😂 Merry Xmas and Happy 2025.
I came into the world in 1961, & by age 3 I had trouble sleeping. This is still the same today. It’s difficult if you have to be @ work in the early morning because I am exhausted- when I am “retired” I won’t mind this Segmental Sleeping 💤 Thanks for all your knowledge!
I think all our make up is completely different. I usually stay up as late as i can say 11.30 to 12 ish, when i feel tired. I usually sleep at least 6 or 7 hrs right through , sometimes we think we are tired when we are not . Make sure i have my last cuppa abt 6 ish . 💗🏴
I have been doing this already. Especially if I didn't get my afternoon nap. I normally wake up without an alarm at 2 AM or so, get a little exercise walking around, relax a bit, and I am ready to go back to sleep, no problem. In winter months I get tired soon as it gets dark so end up going to bed earlier.
Good to hear. I have been doing this for a few years now, and I always thought I must be crazy getting up & going back to bed. Who knew this actually had a name?
I've listened to ASMR for years. Has always helped me get into sleep and back into it when i wake up in the middle of the night. Just have to make sure it's a gentle sound.
When this happens to me, I listen to the radio. I have a small pocket radio with a headphone jack. It’s amazing the interesting programs that are on in the middle of the night. Just like you, I keep some water by my bed for sipping.
I still rise at 5am the way I always have, but relieved I no longer have to venture out to milk animals. These days I enjoy a nap after lunch to recharge my batteries. As a carer spanning many years, I always tended my patients around 2am, and invariably wake around that time but now I can enjoy a quiet moment reading or doing soduku. For me, night hours are best for study without interruption, or just enjoying peace.
Thank you, Margaret. I so needed to hear this. I really appreciate learning about first and second sleeps. This seems to be my normal pattern. Now, I can let go of my frustrations and guilt and enjoy my middle of the night awake time. I so appreciate you. ❤️ ⏰️😃
Go to bed at 9pm. Listen to plays on my phone. Never hear the end of them, as I’ve fallen asleep! But then, without fail I wake up and I know without looking at the clock, it’s going to be around 1.30 or 2pm🤦♀️So I go to the toilet, get back into bed,snuggle down and listen to the end of the play I had missed. Put on another one, and again, fall asleep and miss the end of that one!!🙄I now feel more relaxed doing this, knowing I will fall asleep just listening to these excellent plays. Some are laugh out loud plays😂👍🙏🏻
Thank you so much for this info and these suggestions. For me it’s 3 a.m. and I’m going to give your ideas a try. It’s got to be better than ruminating over waking up and not being able to sleep.
Margaret, you are so encouraging and helpful! There’s so much I would like to share with you; maybe some time when I’m not so exhausted. I have always appreciated you! ❤
I'm 64 and have struggled with this most of my life. I've finally started to make peace with it instead of fighting it. But I'm a naturally early riser like 4 or 5. So that makes it hard. I hope to eventually figure it out 😊
I like this idea. I've begun doing something like it. The 11/5/24 election was past disappointing, it's frightening. I was in my fourth round of adrenal fatigue from obsessing on all that, beyond voting, donating and writing anonymously to warn people about narcissists (I was long-married to one). I was already in a hard place with grieving my beloved second husband's death and struggling with long Covid. So, I've taken myself off all news, except for what's positive or neutral. I'm walking, meditating, doing things with friends, keeping up my dance lessons, doing yoga and deep breathing. I talk to all my neighbors regardless of what their yard signs say, and get a little more peace with these unofficial efforts for diplomacy and healing. Even with all this, at about 3 AM or so, it's bug-eyed time. So I stopped fighting it. I'm glad I don't have to punch a clock anymore (so far). And I actually get some good contemplative work done before I nod off again.
Love ya dear, it's so good to keep in touch with women of a like mind. I'm with you lady! Thanks for your videos and all the work you do. And this advice is spot on.
Great suggestion. I didn’t know that what I do sometimes has this specific term ‚segmented sleep‘! I will try it more consistently and check how I feel. Thank you for encouraging me to do so.
I have read about this mediaeval pattern of sleep before. I recall that people in the Middle Ages would fall asleep early, sleep four hours, then wake at midnight for an hour or so before going back to sleep for four hours. Apparently the lack of electric lighting meant they followed their natural sleep rhythms. The midnight wake time was spent talking etc with their partner, catching up on light tasks, and some would even pop next door to visit a neighbour. Because they worked so hard, the poorer classes often only had this window of time for socialising. To the extent that working class courting couples would share a bed (with a board down the middle) and chat during this time. The young man had to start work at sunrise, so this was the only time. Fascinating. Now if I wake, I go and fold laundry or relax on the couch (with no lights on).
Sleep patterns definitely change as we age. It makes life very difficult. I've never been able to sleep during the day, and that has not changed. Great suggestions but, not too sure any of that can work for me. 😊💗
Yes, ty Margareth. It seems a pattern, for 'menopause' ladies. I too, go to bed at 24hrs.and wake up about 4am...I read a little and go back to sleep, for another 2/3hrs. I always, have to go to the bathroom, maybe thats why, or lack of hormones ...I'm 72y old. May you all , have a Great Christmas!
Now this is the answer to my qualms. I was an airline crew member for 37 years. In the beginning I slept off jetlag with relative ease. I’m in my 80’s now and still sleep in segments since the last half of my career. I blamed it on the continuing affect of jetlag and the habits that ensued from the inability to sleep like normal people are supposed to. With this info, I can look at it differently not waiting for the night I sleep the whole night through. I guess that won’t ever happen again but at least I won’t worry about it anymore. In my case I sleep from 3-5 segments a night, many times during the day, even the morning. I do mundane tasks, read, study, watch TH-cam but I should try your ideas also, such as meditation and the like.
I also wake up at 2 am. Sometimes I'm so awake that I can't fall asleep again until I have to get up which is normally at 5.30. So I often go to work with only having slept 3 hours. To me this is terrible, because I work fulltime and it is a really stressfull job. But sometimes at night 2 am it works that I just think about something or listen to a podcast or read and after maybe 1 or 2 hours I fall asleep again. So then my second sleep is only 1 1/2 hours, but it is what it is and I gave up on worrying for this because I'm not able to change it. And I tried everything, believe me. So I also do this medieval method without knowing it😅 But it is really interesting!
I sometimes wake up at 3-3:30 AM, wanting my coffee. But, once up, I can't go back to sleep, of course. By 4:30 AM, I hear my little grandson upstairs, and, that's the end of my sleep. 😕
I recently had surgery, and it's winter, so I have been doing segmented sleep, in part because that's what my cat does. I have been going to bed between 8 and 9, and my cat wakes me up 5 or 6 hours later. She wants a snack and then maybe to go outside and potty. So I get up, have a cup of tea, journal or read, make a fire in the stove, and eventually have some breakfast. Then eventually we go back to bed for a few hours. Normally I would not eat this early in the morning but I have to take some medicine, so I have a light meal. So far that has been working for me. In summer, however, I operate on a much different schedule -- stay up late until it cools off outdoors, get up early, then often nap in the afternoon when it's hot outside. I see nothing wrong with segmented sleep as long as one gets enough overall. One thing I differ with you about is that my phone is nowhere near my bed when I sleep. Nor do I carry it around with me or check it in the middle of the night. I use my phone for calls only, do not text, and do not carry it on my person. Phones emit high RF radiation, which is carcinogenic. You are playing Russian roulette to live on/with your phone all the time. It also alters how your brain processes information and it can alter sleep patterns.
I do this too. My medical provider doesn't like it at all, so I don't discuss it anymore. I always fall back to sleep after a couple of hours and sleep very well.
I do the same thing Margeet its very normal , most people at first would stress over it , but just get some things done ✅ and 💤😴 again for your second sleep 😊 ❤️😴 its fine go with your body rhythm 😉🪘😊❤
I first heard about this when I read Robert Harris's book titled The Second Sleep. It's a mystery set in the 15th century and it's interesting. Since you like the medieval period, you might enjoy it but it does have what I considered a nightmarish ending.
I also write poems or watch TH-cam videos, sometimes listen to the radio (not news-based programmes though as they're depressing). Screens have been demonised with regard to keeping you awake but i find they have the opposite effect on me, they help me go back to sleep. One thing to avoid is to have a snack, it's a bad habit and of course you'll put on weight and have a disturbed sleep.
Sometimes I wake at 3 or. 4 a.m. Rarely. I just turn over and go back to sleep. I am a night person by nature, and do my best work then. Mornings, ugh!
Same as me of late lucky to be alive driving accident so grateful, in quiet road , in hills of algarve , at 3 pm, technical problem with car , just got car from mechanics done laundry had lunch.
Wow I didn't know this was a thing, ive been calling it Split Shift sleep. If I dont get my nap in the afternoon and fall asleep @9pm, I'll wake up at 2 or 3 am, usually do some work on low lighted computer, answer some emails as drafts to send the next day. Sometimes listening to meditative music or ASMR which tickles my brain into relaxing again. At first was kind of worried about this different sleep cycle, but when i go back to sleep usually @4:30am or so, I sleep a solid 4-5 hours.
This has been happening to me for as long as I can remember. Is very annoying to me as I have doctor's appointments and other things I need to do during the day and can't get them done if I'm sleeping during the day from not sleeping at night.
i wake up between 2 and 3 almost every night can't get back till 5 or 6 and sometimes i stay up all day tired i am going to do this and see if it works
I go to sleep between 9-10pm and wake up around 2am because I need to go to the bathroom. I stumble to the toilet, relieve myself and go right back to sleep until 7am. I'm very lucky in that I can fall asleep easily, anytime, anywhere. But it bothers me that maybe I'm not getting a deep, restful sleep. My doctor prescribed a sleep study to determine if I have sleep apnea.
I often wake at around 3 a.m. and I don't stress about it. I'm retired and, if I don't have anything scheduled for early that day, I know I can go back to sleep later. I often have something to drink, usually a black coffee with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil and spices. I often do a load of laundry or dishes and maybe read or journal while that's happening. Or listen to an inspiring podcast. Usually just before dawn I get drowsy and go back to sleep. I wake up refreshed and always surprised when I see all the work I accomplished in those few hours in the middle of the night. I joked with my daughter it is like the good fairies came in the night and did my grunt work! 🧚♀️ 🧚♂️ 😂
People used to have to "share " beds, there were not enough beds for all , so people would take turns using the bed for a few hours at a time, kind of sleeping in shifts.
Back then, it was dark and cold. Did they light a torch to see? It was also freezing. And life expectancy was probably 30. So I am not so sure this really happened. In today’s world, we can do as we please. I am up During the night. I typically stay in bed, however. In the cooler weather I don’t want to Wait for the house to heat up. Better to just wait until I am tired again in an hour in a half and just drift off.
As a retired flight attendant I remember waking up in a hotel room and have forgotten my book, I used to open the drawer and pull out the Bible and lo and behold it put me to sleep.
I have done this for fifty years, I sleep for four or five hours, I get up and do a variety of things that need to be done. I empty the dishwasher, write in my journal, clean the refrigerator, clean the oven, do laundry what ever needs to be done. Then after a couple of hours I go back to bed. So glad to hear others are doing the same thing.
My mom had 10 children. In her 50's she went to college and got 2 degrees. She did all of her school work in the middle of the night. She also wrote a book, probably when my dad and the kids still at home were sleeping. Just for your information, she is in her 90's now and doing very well so it didn't seem to affect her health at all. I cant wait to tell her about this video.
Your mom is amazing!
I just read about segmented sleep myself. Makes so much sense, especially if we don’t have to wake up early for children or work.
This totally describes my sleep cycle in the past two years since my husband passed, I'm 70. Everyone tells me something is wrong with me however I feel totally rested during the day, never take naps. Thanks for the information Blessings to you from Texas. .
My sleep pattern has totally changed (I'm 64) in the last few years. I have gotten sleep studies, taken meds...you name it. I literally sleep (like you) 4-5 hours and then wake up...totally awake for about 2 hours. I finally resigned to struggling with it which made it worse, and instead working on making peace with this new rhythm of mine. I do know after researching, that our sleep architecture does change as we age, so it is common to sleep in lighter stages longer, therefore, waking more. I like your ideas, as it is difficult to know what to do in this window of night. Thank you for your suggestions and always nice to know that I am not alone. :)
Hi Margaret, I wake up about 3 am and go to the kitchen for a bowl of cereal. Then I go back to bed and fall asleep quickly.
The carbs in the cereal do the trick for me. I like the pattern. Love the quiet time.
This video is packed with wonderful ideas. I ,too, wake up naturally between 0200-0300. I am guilty of checking my phone 😂 but I have learned to keep low lighting. I do simple chores, tasks, laundry,empty dishwashers, bathroom cleaning, light reading , meditation, express gratitude to my maker, reflection, praying for others, and seeking guidance on how I can help others in need. I return for "second" sleep around 0330. Yes, it is less stressful and accomplished chores, so enjoy the quiet hours while the world is asleep in my time zone. So peaceful and surreal.
P. S. I learned from you to wall paper journals with cute and colorful wallpaper. Makes me happy when I open to journal, take notes in classes I attend, and give away to others who need" a pick me up." Thank you, Margaret. You are a motivator. I am thankful for your channel! ❤❤❤❤❤
I agree i with that pattern , i do the same thing ❤😊✅👏💞
Thank you for this timely video❗❗The last few years I have started waking up at about 2 and find myself tossing and turning until about 4!! I think next time I will get up and find activities to occupy myself😂😂
I do the same, about 2:30 and listen to podcasts and sometimes fall asleep after about 1.5 hours.
When i wake up about 3.30am,I listen to a talking book. Listening stops you thinking about your worries and I usually fall asleep in an hour or so.
Hi Margaret. My usual sleep pattern is going to bed between 9:30-10.00. I sleep very deeply and wake up around 2 am - 3am fully awake. I get up and have a cup of tea and then go back to sleep around 4am and sleep until 6 - 7am. It bothered me for years but now I just go with the flow. Sometimes I will have a nanny nap for 20 minutes which seems to be all I need.
I’m just like you. I wake up every night. I’ll stay up a few hours then try to go back to sleep. I needed to hear this. Thank you Margaret ❤
Fascinating !!! I have been wondering about my sleep lately. I am up in this sleep pattern lately. My second sleep is maybe 3 or 4 am until 7 or 8 first is around 9 til 12. Oh my gosh what an eye opener . Last night I was up usual 2 am got up opening my sliding doors to feel the fresh air on my face . Being aware of this takes so much pressure off . I think for many of us now retired our bodies were so programmed from years of work using alarm clocks etc and we didn’t know our own body rhythm . Such an eye opener ❤️
Hello Margaret, this is the way I have survived for years. I have seldom ever been able to sleep all night even when young. This was problematic while I was a teacher and had a longish commute to the school I worked in but I really believe the harm comes from the unnecessary worry and stress of not getting enough sleep and not really from the actual deficit of sleep itself. My pets and I have enough restful sleep and quiet time, creative hobbies, and unhurried relaxing quality time to spend in our large garden...! Now retired I no longer have to worry about clock watching or timetables and schedules that would kill a horse!! We love to share the swinging seat in the moonlight as our property is sheltered and secluded from public view by mature trees and is very private and secure. My favourite quiet activity is to make a cup of tea recline with feet up pets on my knee and say my prayers. Praying and especially the Rosary is a form of meditation for me. New subscriber from Northern Ireland ❤
Me too.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You and Yours 2024!
Fantastic! I’m a segmented sleeper too and have been on a journey to accept this and use the time awake to listen to comforting audiobooks, guided meditations, and soothing podcasts like the Nothing Much Happens podcast. Thank you for sharing your experience and suggestions for other interim activities. I’m never tired during the day, practice all the recommended sleep “hygiene” from the sleep “experts” but I’m beginning to think they’re missing how their advice might neglect alternative sleep styles for those of us who are retired and have the freedom to live in accordance with own rhythms rather than society’s imposed schedules.
This has been my sleep pattern for years, as well. I knew that it is common. I did not know that it had documented history. In the Gospel, it mentions that Jesus came down from the mountain in the morning. He was in prayer during the 3rd watch of the night 3 until 6 a.m. So, theologians have always said that if you get up in the night, pray. That to me was a comforting thought. It gave the wakeful period purpose. When I'm up, I usually empty the dishwasher and start a load of laundry. I check on my cat to make sure she has what she needs. The time is not wasted.
Interesting. I also have segmented sleep. I like to put a video on but just listen without the screen. Really helps me fall back to sleep.
That's a great idea!
I do that every night because I too wake up at 2am .
I go to sleep at 00.00 and wake up before 04 in the morning. I get up, walk the dog, have some breakfast, read a book and then at 08 I go to sleep another 4 hours. Works great for me.
I want to wish everyone the happiest of holidays however you celebrate it. 🎄☃️🎁kindness is the best present.
I like this idea and attitude towards wakeful periods at night. Like you, I often wake up for a couple of hours and then go back to sleep. It's much less stressful to accept the pattern and embrace it with a quiet activity. My sleep patterns have changed over the last few years (I'm 65) - I used to say that sleeping was one of my talents as I could fall asleep easily and sleep for a solid 8 hours. Now I still fall asleep easily but have wakeful periods at night. I'm glad you discussed this and normalised it and I know that I'm not alone
A baby boomer retired 10 yrs. The past couple yrs my sleep pattern has changed. I'm up approx 2-3 am. I don't fight it as I use the peaceful quiet time to exercise for the day. I'll fill my diffuser with one of my favorite scents than do my squats, weight training, etc. I want to stay strong. Then I write in my gratitude journal the things I appreciate in life. Other times I may do a load of laundry or cook some nutritious squash/zucchini or some turnip greens. Easily go back to sleep after either accomplishment. Interesting topic Margaret! Not uncommon at all!
I do segmented sleep like you do. Its normal to me. I call it creative time. I think really good in the early morning. I enjoy organizing my bills, or things to sew. Once a week I'll sleep a solid 7 hours, guess my body needs that. Good thing im in a house so i dont disturb the neighbors at all. I live in a 100 year old Sears Robeck catalog home, very common here in Ohio. Its bottom half is made if bricks. Just love being retired.
I wake up around 3AM/3:30AM but I don't get up unless need to use the bathroom. I try to get back to sleep and sometimes I do. If I can't get back to sleep I start reading in bed and then try again to sleep. Once in a while I just can't get back to sleep but I won't get out of bed until 6AM. That's my rule: not getting up before 6AM. If I was to start getting up earlier than 6AM, then I feel it will become a habit. I feel that ideally you wake up when the sun rises (dawn) but with daylight savings time, it often just does not work. I dislike daylight savings time. It's always such an adjustment. Since I am retired, I don't worry about getting enough sleep. Used to stress me out when I was working because I worried that I wouldn't function well at my job. These sleep patterns didn't start until I got older. I used to sleep all night long but those days are long gone.
Thanks, Margaret! That is my sleep pattern. I try to schedule my appointments in the afternoon, except for my wellness check. Which I am going to talk to my care provider about segmented sleep. I have been awake since 1:20am and now going back to sleep at 4am. rest well ladies.
I often wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning now that I'm older. I was concerned, but found that if I get up and do a few things I'm tired again in an hour or two. Recently I heard a TH-cam video, C S Lewis:
" If you wake up at 3 o'clock in the morning, do these things" i think it's pretty common and thank you for addressing it and noting that if you fight it, it just leads to stress. It might mean a nap sometimes, but that's OK too. As usual, love following your videos!
I'm not a good sleeper. I go to bed around 1 a.m. I'm able to fall asleep quickly but wake up alot throughout the night. I have found that listening to audio books helps lull me back to sleep pretty quickly. Cozy mysteries work for me. The soothing narrations and not-too-involved plotlines seem to calm my brain enough that sleep soon follows. Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions, I'll have many options now for when my audio stories fail me!
So funny Margaret. My brother and I discuss this sleep or lack of often. We both have this same problem. I am 76 and he is 81. So glad to see we are not the only ones. 😂 Merry Xmas and Happy 2025.
I came into the world in 1961, & by age 3 I had trouble sleeping. This is still the same today. It’s difficult if you have to be @ work in the early morning because I am exhausted- when I am “retired” I won’t mind this Segmental Sleeping 💤
Thanks for all your knowledge!
Good Sunday 🌅☕ morning. Yes, that has happened to me, I just 🙏 pray and I fall back to 😴 sleep or meditate. You look 😍 pretty in pink🎉🎉🎉
I think all our make up is completely different. I usually stay up as late as i can say 11.30 to 12 ish, when i feel tired. I usually sleep at least 6 or 7 hrs right through , sometimes we think we are tired when we are not . Make sure i have my last cuppa abt 6 ish . 💗🏴
By the way Margret you look lovely in pink ❤😊
I have been doing this already. Especially if I didn't get my afternoon nap. I normally wake up without an alarm at 2 AM or so, get a little exercise walking around, relax a bit, and I am ready to go back to sleep, no problem. In winter months I get tired soon as it gets dark so end up going to bed earlier.
Good to hear. I have been doing this for a few years now, and I always thought I must be crazy getting up & going back to bed. Who knew this actually had a name?
I've listened to ASMR for years. Has always helped me get into sleep and back into it when i wake up in the middle of the night. Just have to make sure it's a gentle sound.
When this happens to me, I listen to the radio. I have a small pocket radio with a headphone jack. It’s amazing the interesting programs that are on in the middle of the night. Just like you, I keep some water by my bed for sipping.
Yes, and lovely if I can find someone reading a story.
I still rise at 5am the way I always have, but relieved I no longer have to venture out to milk animals. These days I enjoy a nap after lunch to recharge my batteries. As a carer spanning many years, I always tended my patients around 2am, and invariably wake around that time but now I can enjoy a quiet moment reading or doing soduku. For me, night hours are best for study without interruption, or just enjoying peace.
Sounds about right, lol. I usually go to sleep around 8:30-9, sleep til about 2-3. Awake for an hour or so, then go back to sleep.
Thank you, Margaret. I so needed to hear this. I really appreciate learning about first and second sleeps. This seems to be my normal pattern. Now, I can let go of my frustrations and guilt and enjoy my middle of the night awake time. I so appreciate you. ❤️ ⏰️😃
I do segmented sleep when it presents itself. My second sleep is VERY DEEP and restorative!
Go to bed at 9pm. Listen to plays on my phone. Never hear the end of them, as I’ve fallen asleep! But then, without fail I wake up and I know without looking at the clock, it’s going to be around 1.30 or 2pm🤦♀️So I go to the toilet, get back into bed,snuggle down and listen to the end of the play I had missed. Put on another one, and again, fall asleep and miss the end of that one!!🙄I now feel more relaxed doing this, knowing I will fall asleep just listening to these excellent plays. Some are laugh out loud plays😂👍🙏🏻
Thank you so much for this info and these suggestions. For me it’s 3 a.m. and I’m going to give your ideas a try. It’s got to be better than ruminating over waking up and not being able to sleep.
Margaret, you are so encouraging and helpful! There’s so much I would like to share with you; maybe some time when I’m not so exhausted. I have always appreciated you! ❤
Glad to know I’m normal. Thanks, Lady.
I'm 64 and have struggled with this most of my life. I've finally started to make peace with it instead of fighting it. But I'm a naturally early riser like 4 or 5. So that makes it hard. I hope to eventually figure it out 😊
I like this idea. I've begun doing something like it. The 11/5/24 election was past disappointing, it's frightening. I was in my fourth round of adrenal fatigue from obsessing on all that, beyond voting, donating and writing anonymously to warn people about narcissists (I was long-married to one). I was already in a hard place with grieving my beloved second husband's death and struggling with long Covid. So, I've taken myself off all news, except for what's positive or neutral. I'm walking, meditating, doing things with friends, keeping up my dance lessons, doing yoga and deep breathing. I talk to all my neighbors regardless of what their yard signs say, and get a little more peace with these unofficial efforts for diplomacy and healing. Even with all this, at about 3 AM or so, it's bug-eyed time. So I stopped fighting it. I'm glad I don't have to punch a clock anymore (so far). And I actually get some good contemplative work done before I nod off again.
Great video for us ageing baby boomers
Hi Margaret - I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with this dilemma. You have given me a lot to think about. Have a happy holiday !!
Love ya dear, it's so good to keep in touch with women of a like mind.
I'm with you lady! Thanks for your videos and all the work you do. And this advice is spot on.
I have been waking up around 2-3 . I get up and go back yo bed ariund 6. Get up at 9. Works for me. I feel rested during the day.
Great suggestion. I didn’t know that what I do sometimes has this specific term ‚segmented sleep‘! I will try it more consistently and check how I feel. Thank you for encouraging me to do so.
I have read about this mediaeval pattern of sleep before. I recall that people in the Middle Ages would fall asleep early, sleep four hours, then wake at midnight for an hour or so before going back to sleep for four hours. Apparently the lack of electric lighting meant they followed their natural sleep rhythms. The midnight wake time was spent talking etc with their partner, catching up on light tasks, and some would even pop next door to visit a neighbour. Because they worked so hard, the poorer classes often only had this window of time for socialising. To the extent that working class courting couples would share a bed (with a board down the middle) and chat during this time. The young man had to start work at sunrise, so this was the only time. Fascinating. Now if I wake, I go and fold laundry or relax on the couch (with no lights on).
Sleep patterns definitely change as we age. It makes life very difficult. I've never been able to sleep during the day, and that has not changed. Great suggestions but, not too sure any of that can work for me. 😊💗
Margaret, thank you for sharing this awesome video. 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes, ty Margareth. It seems a pattern, for 'menopause' ladies. I too, go to bed at 24hrs.and wake up about 4am...I read a little and go back to sleep, for another 2/3hrs. I always, have to go to the bathroom, maybe thats why, or lack of hormones ...I'm 72y old.
May you all , have a Great Christmas!
Happy holidays🎄❤️🌹 from Arizona🌵I listen to audio books it helps.
Now this is the answer to my qualms. I was an airline crew member for 37 years. In the beginning I slept off jetlag with relative ease. I’m in my 80’s now and still sleep in segments since the last half of my career. I blamed it on the continuing affect of jetlag and the habits that ensued from the inability to sleep like normal people are supposed to. With this info, I can look at it differently not waiting for the night I sleep the whole night through. I guess that won’t ever happen again but at least I won’t worry about it anymore. In my case I sleep from 3-5 segments a night, many times during the day, even the morning. I do mundane tasks, read, study, watch TH-cam but I should try your ideas also, such as meditation and the like.
I also wake up at 2 am. Sometimes I'm so awake that I can't fall asleep again until I have to get up which is normally at 5.30. So I often go to work with only having slept 3 hours. To me this is terrible, because I work fulltime and it is a really stressfull job. But sometimes at night 2 am it works that I just think about something or listen to a podcast or read and after maybe 1 or 2 hours I fall asleep again. So then my second sleep is only 1 1/2 hours, but it is what it is and I gave up on worrying for this because I'm not able to change it. And I tried everything, believe me. So I also do this medieval method without knowing it😅 But it is really interesting!
I could do all the things on my mind keeping me awake!
I sometimes wake up at 3-3:30 AM, wanting my coffee. But, once up, I can't go back to sleep, of course. By 4:30 AM, I hear my little grandson upstairs, and, that's the end of my sleep. 😕
I’m going to try this. I am tired of laying there tossing and turning in frustration.
Can you pls make a video on how to wake up with positive thoughts . I have wake up with anxiety rather than being grateful to be awake
I recently had surgery, and it's winter, so I have been doing segmented sleep, in part because that's what my cat does. I have been going to bed between 8 and 9, and my cat wakes me up 5 or 6 hours later. She wants a snack and then maybe to go outside and potty. So I get up, have a cup of tea, journal or read, make a fire in the stove, and eventually have some breakfast. Then eventually we go back to bed for a few hours. Normally I would not eat this early in the morning but I have to take some medicine, so I have a light meal. So far that has been working for me. In summer, however, I operate on a much different schedule -- stay up late until it cools off outdoors, get up early, then often nap in the afternoon when it's hot outside. I see nothing wrong with segmented sleep as long as one gets enough overall. One thing I differ with you about is that my phone is nowhere near my bed when I sleep. Nor do I carry it around with me or check it in the middle of the night. I use my phone for calls only, do not text, and do not carry it on my person. Phones emit high RF radiation, which is carcinogenic. You are playing Russian roulette to live on/with your phone all the time. It also alters how your brain processes information and it can alter sleep patterns.
Fascinating video!
I do this too. My medical provider doesn't like it at all, so I don't discuss it anymore. I always fall back to sleep after a couple of hours and sleep very well.
YES!!! ! So.... I'm 'normal'. !!! Thank you...❤
I do the same thing Margeet its very normal , most people at first would stress over it , but just get some things done ✅ and 💤😴 again for your second sleep 😊 ❤️😴 its fine go with your body rhythm 😉🪘😊❤
I first heard about this when I read Robert Harris's book titled The Second Sleep. It's a mystery set in the 15th century and it's interesting. Since you like the medieval period, you might enjoy it but it does have what I considered a nightmarish ending.
I have often sleep like that
I also write poems or watch TH-cam videos, sometimes listen to the radio (not news-based programmes though as they're depressing). Screens have been demonised with regard to keeping you awake but i find they have the opposite effect on me, they help me go back to sleep. One thing to avoid is to have a snack, it's a bad habit and of course you'll put on weight and have a disturbed sleep.
Sometimes I wake at 3 or. 4 a.m. Rarely. I just turn over and go back to sleep.
I am a night person by nature, and do my best work then. Mornings, ugh!
So I am not weird, after all. I am my busiest at that time of morning. Yes, I do my arts and crafts in the middle of mornings. 😊
I use Melatonin in two doawa. Russell Reiter is the granddaddy of Melatonin research.He has many podcasts.
Same as me of late lucky to be alive driving accident so grateful, in quiet road , in hills of algarve , at 3 pm, technical problem with car , just got car from mechanics done laundry had lunch.
Wow I didn't know this was a thing, ive been calling it Split Shift sleep. If I dont get my nap in the afternoon and fall asleep @9pm, I'll wake up at 2 or 3 am, usually do some work on low lighted computer, answer some emails as drafts to send the next day. Sometimes listening to meditative music or ASMR which tickles my brain into relaxing again. At first was kind of worried about this different sleep cycle, but when i go back to sleep usually @4:30am or so, I sleep a solid 4-5 hours.
This has been happening to me for as long as I can remember. Is very annoying to me as I have doctor's appointments and other things I need to do during the day and can't get them done if I'm sleeping during the day from not sleeping at night.
I've been doing this as well ❤❤
It's 2:32am.. I've been laying here & found you . 😂
i wake up between 2 and 3 almost every night can't get back till 5 or 6 and sometimes i stay up all day tired i am going to do this and see if it works
I go to sleep between 9-10pm and wake up around 2am because I need to go to the bathroom. I stumble to the toilet, relieve myself and go right back to sleep until 7am. I'm very lucky in that I can fall asleep easily, anytime, anywhere. But it bothers me that maybe I'm not getting a deep, restful sleep. My doctor prescribed a sleep study to determine if I have sleep apnea.
🙏🏻wonderful time to 🙏🏻
I wake up at 4 but don’t want to wake up my husband. And if I wake up the dogs, its over! Lol! But I love the idea!
I wake up around 4:00 am, eat a Banana and go back to sleep.
I do the same. I find banana get me back to sleep
I often wake at around 3 a.m. and I don't stress about it. I'm retired and, if I don't have anything scheduled for early that day, I know I can go back to sleep later. I often have something to drink, usually a black coffee with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil and spices. I often do a load of laundry or dishes and maybe read or journal while that's happening. Or listen to an inspiring podcast. Usually just before dawn I get drowsy and go back to sleep. I wake up refreshed and always surprised when I see all the work I accomplished in those few hours in the middle of the night. I joked with my daughter it is like the good fairies came in the night and did my grunt work! 🧚♀️ 🧚♂️ 😂
Judith. Sounds like a sensible prragmatic Solution.
People used to have to "share " beds, there were not enough beds for all , so people would take turns using the bed for a few hours at a time, kind of sleeping in shifts.
I go for a siesta for 2-3 hours each day .after lunch . My night sleep has been short since retiring so this makes up for the hours missed .
Book: At Day’s Close, Night In Times Past by A. Roger Ekirch.
Watching this at 02.30 …😵💫😵💫
When you say " any hoo"... Its darling, it sounds Canadian...Happy New Year Margaret...im ready for 2025...the year of the snake...bring it on.
Not for nothing is it called the graveyard shift!
Back then, it was dark and cold. Did they light a torch to see? It was also freezing. And life expectancy was probably 30. So I am not so sure this really happened.
In today’s world, we can do as we please. I am up
During the night. I typically stay in bed, however. In the cooler weather I don’t want to
Wait for the house to heat up. Better to just wait until I am tired again in an hour in a half and just drift off.
I agree with you Andrea
Yes, im nearing 71, waking up, but keep urinating non stop, does anyone know why, as i dislike going to drs, today, afraid of pharmaci cals..
I wake up at 3am....
I heard start reading the Bible...you'll get very sleepy!
As a retired flight attendant I remember waking up in a hotel room and have forgotten my book, I used to open the drawer and pull out the Bible and lo and behold it put me to sleep.
☮️🌎🎄
I believe people in Spain sleep this way. Not sure, does anyone know?
No Cathy they do not. Same as elsewhere they go to bed not that early. I daresay some wake Up in the middle of the night and others sleep like logs.
It is called insomnia. And stress is usually the cause. Depression and anxiety can disrupt sleep.
U r so perky!