Two Sleeps’ and Devotional Practices: A Look at How People Slept in the 17th Century

Sleep is a universal human experience that has varied greatly across cultures, social classes, and time periods. In the 17th century, people in Wales got their nightly rest in a way that is still intriguing today. A 17th-century vicar’s poetry offers a unique window into how people approached sleep and rest during that time.

A Glimpse into 17th-Century Sleep Habits

Born around 1579, Rhys Prichard, a vicar in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, wrote verses that provide fascinating clues about how people back then approached sleep. Prichard’s poetry is not only rich in details about nighttime experiences but also offers a more personal and intimate perspective on how people got their rest.

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Much of our historical understanding of sleep comes from medical texts or social commentaries. But Prichard’s poetry provides a different lens through which to view sleep, one that is more focused on the personal and the spiritual.

Sleep as a Spiritual Experience

According to Prichard’s poetry, sleep was an intensely religious and spiritual experience. Prayers were offered for the gift of a good and safe night’s sleep, and believers were encouraged to depend on God and worship him. Sleep was seen as a time for introspection, meditation, and devotion, as well as a time to rise at midnight to give thanks to God, just like the biblical King David.

Two Sleeps: The Practice of Biphasic Sleep

Studies have drawn attention to the phenomenon of “two sleeps,” or “biphasic” sleep, where people would have a period of wakefulness during the middle of the night for an hour or two, and complete a variety of tasks. This practice is attested to in Prichard’s poetry, where he encourages his readers to use this time for meditation and devotion.

In the verse “Myfyrdod pan dihuner o gysgu ganol nos” (A meditation when you wake from sleep in the middle of the night), Prichard shows that this period of wakefulness is an excellent opportunity to meditate on the glory of God and to praise him.

Death and the Fear of Sleeping

In the 17th century, sleep and death were closely linked, and it was well-known that many people went to sleep without waking again. Prichard’s poetry often references the fear of death, with the devil seen as a constant presence at night, waiting to take people and devour them.

As such, sleep was seen as a leap of faith, and people needed divine protection to get a good night’s sleep. Prichard’s poetry encourages his readers to pray for protection and to thank God after waking up alive and well.

Conclusion

Prichard’s poetry offers a fascinating glimpse into how people slept in the 17th century. His verses show that sleep was a deeply personal and spiritual experience, tied to devotional practices and a fear of death. While our understanding of sleep has changed significantly since then, his poetry remains relevant today, offering insights into the human experience and the ways in which people have always sought a good night’s sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 17th-century view of sleep?

In the 17th century, sleep was seen as a deeply personal and spiritual experience, tied to devotional practices and a fear of death.

How did people sleep in the 17th century?

People slept in a way that is still intriguing today. They would often rise at midnight to give thanks to God, just like the biblical King David, and would have a period of wakefulness during the middle of the night for an hour or two to complete a variety of tasks.

What was the phenomenon of “two sleeps”?

“Two sleeps” was the practice of having a period of wakefulness during the middle of the night for an hour or two, and completing a variety of tasks. This practice is attested to in Prichard’s poetry, where he encourages his readers to use this time for meditation and devotion.

Why did people sleep with the fear of death in the 17th century?

In the 17th century, sleep and death were closely linked, and it was well-known that many people went to sleep without waking again. This fear of death is referenced in Prichard’s poetry, where the devil is seen as a constant presence at night, waiting to take people and devour them.