Medical and Religious Aspects of Segmented Sleep (22)

In the article "Sleep We Have Lost," Ekirch presents several interesting points pertaining to sleep and how it relates to medical practices and religion.  For example, on page 366, he states that medical books from the fifteenth to eighteen centuries recommended that people sleep on their right sight during the first sleep, and then switch to their left side during their second sleep in order obtain better digestion and a "... more tranquil repose."  This suggests a medical advantage to a segmented sleep, true or not.  In regards to religion or morals, Ekirch explains that in earlier Christianity, a pattern of segmented or broken sleep existed.   He elaborates on page 366 that, "Ever since St. Benedict in the sixth century required that monks rise after midnight for the recital of verses and psalms, this like other regulations of the Benedictine order had spread..." which further supports the implementation of segmented sleep in religious activities.  However, the church itself was not responsible for the implementation of broken sleeping patterns, according to Ekirch.
If segmented sleep was a necessity for people in earlier times, why do we no longer sleep in segments today?  Possible explanations for the change in the sleeping patterns of people today that is presented by Ekirch on page 383 lies in the effects of "Professional policing, nocturnal trade, evening employment for the workers, and, most important, improvements in both domestic lighting and the illumination of public streets..." which basically embodies industrialization.  The now fast-paced lifestyle practiced by people all around the world today has greatly influenced the sleep pattern of mankind.  With the use of light emitting devices and other modern technology and lighting, our brains and hormones are thrown off.  This links to what we've learned this semester about circadian rhythms within the human body, and through his explanation of the loss of segmented sleep, Ekirch provides more evidence as to the changes of circadian rhythms and sleep in general.