Warwick Castle is bringing back the historic 'second sleep' tradition – where medieval Brits would wake in the dead of night in order to reflect, pray and perform chores before going back to bed

For one night only, guests will be able to step into the armoured boots of a knight and walk the castle grounds in the dead of night* 

Warwick Castle is turning back the clock and reviving a medieval bedtime tradition, inviting guests to sleep like it's 1068 this World Sleep Day with a 'Good Knight's Sleep'.

For one night only on Friday 13 March, the Warwick Castle Hotel will offer a bespoke 'two sleeps' package for guests eager to relive the ancient tradition of biphasic sleep, a pre-industrial routine where many people slept in two phases, with a wakeful 'between sleeps' period in the middle of the night.

Before electricity reshaped routines with round the clock light, historically, a break for midnight productivity separated sleep into two stages, with a wakeful period for chores, reading, prayer, mending clothes or seeing to animals.

Now, Warwick Castle is reviving the antiquated habit, where medieval Brits would wake for one-two hours during the night, in a period known as 'the watch.'

Transported back to the past, guests will have the opportunity to relive the habits of medieval ancestors and experience the castle after hours, surrounded by centuries of history and the stillness of a sleeping fortress. *

From Mediterranean siestas to the rise in popularity of the '5am club', this antiquated sleep tradition might appeal to certain sleepers.

advertisement

Dr Lindsay Browning, chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, and author advises caution for those ready to implement the medieval sleeping practice into their routine.

Dr Browning said: "There is strong historical evidence that segmented sleep was once common, and this provides a helpful opportunity to normalise nighttime awakenings. Historically, these awakenings were often used for practical household tasks, prayer, reflection, and importantly they weren't viewed as a problem. Many people today get anxious when they wake up in the night, but brief awakenings are a normal part of sleep. Anxiety about waking up can be more disruptive to sleep than the awakening itself."

Warwick Castle is turning back the clock and reviving a medieval bedtime tradition (image supplied)

Mark Winnett, resident historian at Warwick Castle commented on the 'Good Knight's Sleep' package at the Castle stating: "Appearing in historical documents such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the 'two sleeps' of the medieval times was something that the majority of Brits would have taken part in. Inherited from our prehistoric ancestors, we used the gap in nighttime sleeps for tending to animals, household chores, visit neighbours and to pray.

"With World Sleep Day coming up, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to immerse visitors in medieval sleeping patterns to really unleash history!"

For those keen to take a leap into the history books, Warwick Castle is the perfect destination for a fully themed medieval short break with over 1,100 years of history brought to life.

Medieval-themed rooms, evening entertainment and dining transport guests back in time with an immersive stay fit for medieval royalty.

Dr Browning advised:"If someone is awake for a long time, we advise that they should get up and do something else for a little while rather than lying in bed becoming increasingly frustrated about not sleeping."

advertisement

Short breaks start from just £40 per person.

For more information and to book a stay fit for a king or queen please visit here.