Question 19

People adapted to consolidated sleep by the end of the 1700s.

By the end of the 1700s, individuals had begun to adapt to a pattern of consolidated sleep, moving away from the historical practice of experiencing two distinct sleep periods throughout the night.

A) They continued to follow first and second sleep

This option is incorrect as historical evidence indicates that references to 'first sleep' and 'second sleep' became less common by the end of the 1700s. The shift towards consolidated sleep suggests that people were moving away from this older pattern rather than continuing it.

B) They adapted to consolidated sleep

This option is correct as the extract states that by the end of the 1700s, the prevalence of street lighting encouraged people to stay up later and thus adapt to a single, consolidated sleep pattern. This change signifies a significant shift in sleeping habits.

C) They began to sleep fewer than four hours

This option is incorrect because the text does not support the notion that people were sleeping fewer than four hours. Instead, it discusses the shift to consolidated sleep, which implies that while some may not achieve eight hours, they are not drastically reducing their total sleep time to such low levels.

D) They stopped needing sleep altogether

This option is also incorrect as it contradicts the fundamental human need for sleep. The extract does not suggest that people ceased to need sleep but rather that their sleeping patterns evolved.

Conclusion

The correct answer, B, highlights the transition to consolidated sleep patterns by the end of the 1700s, supported by the influence of street lighting and changing social behaviors. Other options either misinterpret the historical context or suggest unrealistic changes in sleep needs, underscoring the importance of understanding how societal factors can influence sleep habits.