Leonardo da Vinci's Sleep Schedule and Daily Habits Explained

Leonardo da Vinci's daily habits and routine paved the way for him to paint masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper. However, it also allowed him to pursue his interests as an architect, engineer, and anatomist. He invented a portable, self-supporting bridge for the famous Borgia family that was headed by Pope Alexander VI. He also planned prototypes for inventions such as parachutes, diving suits, and a giant crossbow.

So, what did Leonardo da Vinci's daily habits and sleep schedule involve?

There is a common story that Da Vinci used a tactic called polyphasic sleep. Some believe he slept for only about two hours per 24-hour period. His sleep was allegedly broken into six 20-minute blocks of rest. However, the idea that he slept this way is based on an unfounded myth. There is no evidence in his notebooks that reveal that he had this sleep schedule. Though, Da Vinci did typically wake up before sunrise.

He would go outside to spend time in nature and exercise. He would paint or draw for a bit and then go about his day. Da Vinci worked within many types of environments, including noble courts and construction sites. He had sponsors, not only in the Borgia family, but in the Medici family and King Francis I of France. 

Da Vinci would take a midday break to socialize and eat. He, then, continued with his workday. He often fixated on one task for several hours.

He would relax, read, playing music, and spend time with family in the hours after work.

An important factor in his routine is that Da Vinci often did not finish his projects. He was plagued by perfectionism, changing interests, and the urge to often experiment with new techniques. 

What can we learn from Leonardo da Vinci's work habits? 

There are still people that will believe in you even if you are a perfectionist and do not bring everything to completion. Da Vinci had many patrons and, yet, he was known to be rather erratic in his work life. Many geniuses behave in this way and that does not make them any less extraordinary.