[J sleeping at 3 months. Check out how his hair has evolved!]
Ok, ok, so the article Interrupted Sleep Might Be the Best Kind says that over time, technology and lifestyle changes have caused (those of) us (lucky enough) to adopt to an 8-hour sleeping schedule. It says that history (via writings and paintings showing people working at night --yea, the latter one is really convincing!) shows people sleeping in two 4-hour stints with an "awake" period in between.
Sometimes I need to nap on the couch in front of the TV between the hours of 9pm and 11pm, and then go upstairs to really go to sleep, but I think that's opposite of what the article is saying. By the way, my sister also does this, so maybe it's genetic.
Back to the article...it claims that people who suffer from sleep problems may actually be doing so because they're trying to fit into the societal norm of "getting at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep" when their bodies are actually craving the "two stage" or "segmented" sleep.
Hey, I know that everyone's sleeping patterns are different, and that some people need more sleep (me!) and some people need less (Einstein!), but I really don't want this kind of research catching on in popularity. You know why?
Because one day, pediatricians are going to tell new mommies that they shouldn't be trying to encourage their babies to sleep through the night!!!!!!
Just the thought of that gives me hives.
I might be exaggerating, but it's quite possible, don't you think? How many people have told you the following:
Pediatricians used to tell us to give you water as a newborn.
Pediatricians used to tell us to give you some baby cereal with your formula/milk.
Formula used to be the rage.
We used to put you tummy-down on the crib.
You were in the walker all the time.
It's amazing how in a generation, the practices for caring for newborns has changed! So, I think I have a pretty valid concern here.
So remember, even if you don't need 8 hours of sleep, please don't ruin for those of us who do by helping this research gain popularity.
Thanks :).
On the other hand, if this research has helped you grapple with your sleep problems, great! 8 hours or not, every one deserves good rest.
How many hours of sleep do you need/want/get?
Hope you're having a good weekend!
Hope you're having a good weekend!
