Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping habits have changed a lot over the years. In pre-industrial Europe, for example, it was common for people to sleep in two separate segments, referred to as first and second sleep. People would go to bed a few hours after dusk, wake up for a period of wakefulness, and then sleep again. While there is no historical evidence that people used to sleep sitting up, some sources suggest that sleeping with an elevated head was adopted in the 17th century for medical reasons or to aid digestion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Historical evidence | People in the past did not sleep sitting fully upright with their backs against the wall or headboard. |
| Beds in the past were not shorter because people slept sitting up. | |
| There is no evidence that people believed bad air was heavier than fresh air, and that sleeping with an elevated head kept the nose above the bad air. | |
| People in preindustrial Europe slept in two separate segments. | |
| Medical reasons | People with respiratory issues were advised to sleep with their heads raised. |
| People with certain medical conditions may find sitting up more comfortable for sleeping. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in two parts was common in the 18th century
While there is no evidence that people slept sitting fully upright in the 18th century, sleeping in two parts was common during this period. This meant that people would sleep for a short period, followed by a period of wakefulness, before a longer period of sleep. This was referred to as 'first and second sleep'.
During the period of wakefulness, people would pray, read, have sex, write, talk, or even visit friends. This practice was the norm in preindustrial Europe, as noted by historians and anthropologists. Households would head to bed a few hours after dusk and wake up a few hours after that.
The idea that beds in the past were shorter because people slept sitting up is a myth. While some individuals may have preferred to sleep sitting up, there is no historical evidence to support this as a widespread practice. In fact, beds from the 18th century were often the same size as, or larger than, modern double, queen, or king-sized beds.
The myth that people slept sitting up may have persisted due to visual estimations of antique beds, which can appear smaller due to the size of canopies, hangings, and pillows. Additionally, the belief that "bad air" was heavier than fresh air, and that sleeping with an elevated head provided access to superior air, is not supported by historical evidence. However, there is evidence that people with respiratory issues were advised to sleep with their heads raised, similar to modern recommendations.
While sleeping in a fully upright position was not common in the 18th century, it is important to note that people may have slept in a slightly elevated position, propped up with pillows or bolsters. This practice is supported by images from the 18th century, which depict people in bed in a variety of positions, including both propped up and lying flat.
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People slept sitting up to aid digestion
Sleeping habits and bedtime routines have changed significantly over the years. In pre-industrial Europe, for example, it was common for people to sleep in two separate segments, referred to as "first sleep" and "second sleep". During the period of wakefulness between the two, people might pray, read, have sex, write, talk, or even visit friends.
While it is a widespread misconception that people used to sleep sitting fully upright, there is some evidence that people slept with their heads elevated for medical reasons. 17th-century medical texts from Great Britain indicate that an elevated sleeping position was adopted to create a gentle slope from the head to the stomach to aid digestion. People with respiratory issues were also advised to sleep with their heads raised, as this was believed to be better for their health.
This belief is reflected in the shorter beds of the past, as well as the use of pillows and bolsters, which were thought to aid in propping people up while sleeping. Visual evidence from the 18th century, such as paintings and images, also supports the idea that people slept in a propped-up position, though it was likely a matter of personal preference rather than a universal practice.
Sleeping upright is neither inherently healthy nor unhealthy. While it may be the most comfortable option for those with certain medical conditions or those recovering from specific types of surgery, it can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to remaining in the same position for too long.
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Some slept sitting up due to respiratory issues
While it is a common misconception that people used to sleep sitting up because they believed that "bad air" was heavier than fresh air, this theory lacks historical evidence. However, it is true that some people sleep sitting up due to respiratory issues.
Orthopnea, a condition that causes shortness of breath when lying down, can be relieved by sitting or standing up. This condition can be caused by underlying medical issues related to the heart or lungs, such as heart failure, lung disease, or COPD. People with orthopnea may need to prop themselves up with several pillows or sleep sitting up on a couch or chair to help them breathe better.
Sleeping in an upright position can also help individuals with other chronic respiratory conditions by keeping their airways open. Additionally, it can aid in digestion by allowing gravity to help move food through the digestive tract and reducing acid reflux symptoms. For these reasons, sleeping upright may be recommended for individuals with heart failure or during pregnancy when lying down may become uncomfortable due to increased pressure on various organs.
However, sleeping sitting up for long periods can lead to health issues, especially for individuals with conditions like arthritis. Potential drawbacks include increased stress and strain on the neck, back, and lower back, as well as stiffness in the joints. It is important to use support items like neck pillows and cushions and to maintain an appropriate angle when sleeping upright to minimize discomfort and strain.
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Beds in the 18th century were similar in size to modern beds
There is a common misconception that people used to sleep sitting up due to shorter beds. However, this is a myth. While sleeping habits and beds have changed over time, beds in the 18th century were similar in size to modern beds, if not larger.
In the 18th century, beds were often custom-made, and while some were shorter to reflect the owner's stature or the size of their bedroom, many were the same length or longer than modern beds. For example, curators at Colonial Williamsburg measured beds in their collection, finding that they equaled or exceeded the size of a modern double bed, with some equivalent to queen- or king-sized beds in length. A specific example is a bed from the late 18th or early 19th century, measuring 54.25" wide by 76.75" long, making it slightly larger than a modern double bed.
The perception that old beds were shorter is due to their design features. High bed posts, fabric hangings, canopies, and plush mattresses made the beds appear shorter in comparison to modern beds. Additionally, the beds were often situated in rooms with high ceilings and large dimensions, which further contributed to their perceived small size.
The 18th-century precursor to today's bed frame was called a bedstead. These were typically four-poster frames made from sturdy wood, sometimes intricately carved. A bedstead could be a valuable piece of furniture, with expensive textiles and lavish embroidery. The bed curtains served functional purposes, providing warmth and privacy within the larger bedchamber.
The bedding of the 18th century also differed from modern times. A prosperous American's bed consisted of several layers, starting with a firm mattress pad filled with corn husks or horsehair, followed by a featherbed, feather-filled bolsters, and pillows. Town and city dwellers often purchased professionally made feather mattresses, while those in rural areas might make their own from goose and duck feathers. The beds were also dressed with cotton or linen sheets, counterpanes or blankets, and intricately woven coverlets or embroidered quilts.
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Sleeping upright is neither healthy nor unhealthy
Sleeping upright is neither inherently healthy nor unhealthy. While it may be the most comfortable option for some, it can be challenging for others. For example, individuals with medical conditions such as morbid obesity or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may find sitting up more comfortable for sleeping. Similarly, patients recovering from certain shoulder surgeries may find it painful to lie down due to the ease of rolling over onto their sides in that position. Thus, sleeping in a recliner may be their best option.
Throughout history, there is some evidence that people slept with their heads elevated for medical reasons. For instance, 17th-century medical texts from Great Britain suggest that an elevated sleeping position was adopted to create a gentle slope from the head to the stomach to aid digestion. Additionally, individuals with respiratory issues were advised to sleep with their heads raised, a practice that is still recommended today.
However, the idea that people in the past slept sitting fully upright in bed, with their backs against the wall or headboard, lacks historical evidence. While beds in the past may have been shorter, it does not necessarily mean that people slept sitting up. Instead, it could be due to the lack of standardization of mattress sizes, reflecting the height of the owner.
Furthermore, sleeping upright can be challenging for humans due to the way our bodies relax and lose muscle tone during normal sleep cycles. Remaining in an upright position for extended periods can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially fatal medical condition.
Therefore, whether sleeping upright is healthy or unhealthy depends on individual circumstances and medical conditions. As long as one can rest comfortably and get enough sleep, the upright position might be the best option for them.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no historical evidence that people slept sitting up in the past. However, some individuals might have preferred it, and people with respiratory issues were advised to sleep with their heads raised, as they are today.
Beds in historical homes or castles tend to be short, and docents often claim that this is because people used to sleep sitting up. People also believed that sleeping with an elevated head allowed access to superior air, which was healthier.
There is evidence that people slept with their heads elevated for medical reasons. Individuals with respiratory issues or those recovering from specific surgeries were advised to sleep with their heads raised.
A sleeping box at the Crailo State Historic Site in Renselear, NY, is a compartment bed built against the wall that suggests the sleeper would have their back against the side of the box. Additionally, images from the 18th century show people sleeping in a variety of positions, including propped up and lying flat, indicating it was a matter of choice.
Yes, in preindustrial Europe, it was common for people to sleep in two separate segments, referred to as first and second sleep. They would head to bed a few hours after dusk, wake up for a period of wakefulness, and then sleep again for a longer period.
