Visitors will soon be able to experience sleep the medieval way as Warwick Castle turns back the clock for a unique overnight event celebrating World Sleep Day.
For one night only, the historic fortress will offer guests a chance to enjoy a “Good Knight’s Sleep” – an immersive stay inspired by medieval sleeping habits that dates back centuries. The special experience will take place on Friday 13 March at the Warwick Castle Hotel, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the long-forgotten practice of biphasic sleep.
Rediscovering the Medieval ‘Two Sleeps’
Long before electricity illuminated homes and extended our waking hours, many people followed a segmented sleep pattern known as biphasic sleep. Instead of sleeping through the night, individuals would rest in two phases, separated by a quiet wakeful period sometimes called “the watch.”
Historical records suggest that during this middle-of-the-night interval, people would often complete household tasks, pray, read, mend clothes, or even visit neighbours before returning to bed for their second sleep.
At Warwick Castle, guests will be invited to experience this centuries-old routine first-hand. During their overnight stay, visitors will wake between sleeps and enjoy the rare chance to explore the castle grounds after hours—surrounded by more than a millennium of history and the eerie stillness of a sleeping fortress.
A Tradition Rooted in History
According to Warwick Castle’s resident historian, Mark Winnett, the practice of sleeping in two stages was widespread in medieval Britain.
“Appearing in historical documents such as The Canterbury Tales, the ‘two sleeps’ of medieval times was something that the majority of Britons would have taken part in,” Winnett explains. “Inherited from our prehistoric ancestors, the gap between sleeps was often used for tending animals, completing chores, visiting neighbours or prayer.”
With World Sleep Day approaching, the castle hopes the immersive experience will allow visitors to engage with history in a truly unusual way.
What Sleep Experts Say About Biphasic Sleep
While the medieval tradition might sound appealing to modern sleep enthusiasts, experts say it may not work for everyone.
Dr. Lindsay Browning, a chartered psychologist and neuroscientist, notes that historical evidence supports the idea that waking during the night was once normal.
“Segmented sleep was common in the past, and it can help normalise nighttime awakenings,” she says. “Historically, these awakenings were not viewed as a problem. Today, many people become anxious when they wake up during the night, but brief awakenings are actually a normal part of sleep.”
However, she advises that if someone remains awake for long periods, it can help to get out of bed and do something calming before attempting to sleep again.
A Medieval Short Break at Warwick Castle
The “Good Knight’s Sleep” experience is part of Warwick Castle’s themed short breaks, which immerse guests in over 1,100 years of history. The overnight stays include medieval-inspired hotel rooms, themed entertainment and dining designed to transport visitors back in time.
Short breaks at Warwick Castle start from £40 per person, making it an accessible way to experience life inside one of Britain’s most famous castles.
For travellers looking to combine history, entertainment and an unforgettable night’s rest, this unique sleep experiment offers a rare chance to experience medieval life—quite literally—from dusk till dawn.
Learn more or book your stay: https://www.warwick-castle.com/short-breaks/
