Gina Johnson
There are various speculations as to why people in the past slept sitting up. One widely circulated explanation is that people believed that bad air was heavier than fresh air, so sleeping with an elevated head kept the nose above the bad air. However, this theory lacks historical evidence. Another theory suggests that lying down was associated with death, so people propped themselves up on pillows or slept in a half-upright position. Some sources also mention that shorter beds in historic houses fueled the speculation that people slept sitting up, but experts have debunked this myth, stating that beds were rarely shorter than modern beds. While the practice of sleeping sitting up may have been uncommon, it was likely adopted for medical reasons or to aid digestion, as suggested by medical texts from the 17th century.
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What You'll Learn
To avoid assuming the posture of death
Sleeping in an upright position was a practice observed in Europe during the late Middle Ages. One reason for this practice may have been to avoid assuming the posture of death. In the 16th and 17th centuries, lying down was associated with death, so sleeping was done in a half-upright position. This belief was particularly prevalent in the Netherlands, where closet-beds were much smaller, forcing people to sleep in a more upright position.
The association between lying down and death may have influenced people to sleep in a more upright position to avoid resembling the dead. This belief may have been rooted in superstition or cultural norms of the time. It is also possible that sleeping in a more upright position was seen as a way to protect oneself from demons or nightly attackers, as some believed that lying down made one more vulnerable to supernatural or physical threats.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the beds of the past were often shorter, which contributed to the belief that people slept in a more upright position. However, this belief has been disputed by historians and museum curators, who argue that beds were individually made during the 18th and early 19th centuries and thus had no standard size. While some people may have preferred to sleep propped up with pillows, the beds were not made shorter because of this practice.
While the belief that lying down was associated with death may have influenced sleeping positions, it is important to note that most people slept in similar positions to those common today, such as curled up, stretched out, or on their backs, sides, or stomachs. The idea that people slept sitting fully upright with their backs against the wall or headboard is unlikely, as it would be difficult to fall asleep and maintain that position, and it could also cause neck and back pain.
Overall, the practice of sleeping in an upright position to avoid the posture of death reflects the cultural beliefs and norms of the time, and it is a fascinating example of how sleeping habits have evolved over the centuries.
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To aid digestion
In Medieval and Tudor England, people were known to sleep sitting up in their beds. While the practice may have been influenced by cultural and period-specific superstitions, beliefs about health and wealth also played a role. Sleeping upright was considered to aid digestion by allowing gravity to help move food through the digestive system. It was also believed to improve blood circulation and reduce snoring. Additionally, bed frames were a sign of wealth and were often passed down in wills, so sleeping upright in a chair with a high back and armrests was seen as a sign of sophistication.
The belief that sleeping upright aids digestion is not unfounded. Staying upright after eating can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and aid digestion. Lying down soon after a meal can increase the risk of heartburn or acid reflux. This is because when lying down, stomach contents can reflux into the oesophagus, causing discomfort. Sleeping on the left side is also believed to aid digestion as it allows gravity to help waste travel from the small intestine to the large intestine more easily.
However, it's important to note that the impact of sleep position on digestion is not well-researched, and most evidence is anecdotal. While sleeping on the left side is widely recommended, there is limited research to support this claim. Additionally, the type of mattress and pillows used may also affect digestion, as adequate support for the body is essential.
To improve digestion, it is recommended to focus on eating habits and overall health. Eating slowly, choosing a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly are all important factors in supporting digestion. In terms of sleep habits, it is best to avoid eating large meals before bedtime, as this can disrupt sleep patterns and affect digestion. A light snack a few hours before bed is preferable, and establishing a bedtime routine can also help improve digestion and sleep quality.
In conclusion, while sleeping upright may have been a practice in Medieval and Tudor England, its benefits for digestion are not definitively proven. However, staying upright after eating and sleeping on the left side may help aid digestion. Overall, focusing on healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and a consistent bedtime routine are the most effective ways to improve digestion and sleep quality.
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To avoid bad air
It is a common belief that people in the past slept sitting up to avoid "bad air". The idea was that bad air was heavier than fresh air, so sleeping with an elevated head kept one's nose above the bad air. However, this theory has been debunked by experts like Robin Kipps, who found no evidence in 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century medical books that people believed bad air was heavier.
While the specific practice of sleeping fully upright may be a myth, there is evidence that people did sleep with their heads elevated for various reasons. For example, medical texts advised that those with upper respiratory conditions or recovering from certain surgeries sleep with their heads raised. Additionally, some individuals like Stonewall Jackson believed that sleeping in an upright position aligned their organs properly and improved their overall health.
Furthermore, cultural beliefs may have influenced sleeping positions. In Brittany, for instance, people slept in a nearly sitting position, leaning on multiple pillows. This practice was also observed in the Netherlands during the 16th and 17th centuries, where lying down was associated with death. However, it is important to note that the beds in these regions were shorter, accommodating the small stature of the people.
The belief that people slept sitting up to avoid bad air may have stemmed from a combination of medical recommendations for specific cases, individual beliefs about health, and cultural influences. However, the specific practice of always sleeping in a fully upright position does not seem to have been the norm.
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For medical reasons, e.g. respiratory conditions
Sleeping habits and beds have changed significantly over the years. In the 18th century, for instance, it was common for people to have a short period of sleep, followed by a period of wakefulness, and then a longer period of sleep. During the late Middle Ages in Europe, some people slept in an upright position. However, this was mostly for medical reasons.
Sleeping sitting up was recommended for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or those recovering from certain types of surgery. The idea was that sleeping with the head elevated would aid breathing and lung function, especially in an era when air quality was poor due to constant fires, dust, and other issues. This belief is reflected in the widely circulated explanation that people of that time thought "bad air" was heavier than fresh air, so sleeping with an elevated head kept the nose above the "bad air". However, this theory has been disputed by some experts who found no evidence in medical texts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries to support it.
Additionally, 17th-century medical texts from Great Britain suggest that sleeping with an elevated head was recommended to create a gentle slope from the head to the stomach to aid digestion. This recommendation was made under normal conditions and did not suggest sitting fully upright. Similarly, French physician Charles Gabriel Le Clerc, who was one of Louis XIV's physicians, described how to make a bed where one sits upright for medical reasons, indicating that this position was not the norm for non-sick individuals.
While sleeping sitting up was recommended for specific medical conditions, it was not a general practice for everyone. Beds of the past were not shorter because people slept sitting up, but rather due to the lack of standardization in mattress sizes. People slept in various positions, just as they do today, and the use of bolster pillows or no pillows at all was common.
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To conserve heat
Sleeping in a sitting-up position was a practice that was followed in the past. While there are several speculations about why people slept in this position, one of the reasons could be to conserve heat.
People in the past slept in smaller sleeping cubicles that could have been used to conserve heat. These sleeping spaces were often too small to accommodate a person lying down. For example, bunk arrangements in various European historic houses were only four feet in length or slightly less. Similarly, beds in Brittany during the 16th and 17th centuries were 1.60 to 1.70 meters long, where people slept in an almost sitting position, leaning on three or four pillows.
The idea that people slept sitting up to conserve heat is further supported by the fact that lying down was associated with death. This belief was prevalent in Brittany and the Netherlands, where people preferred to sleep in a half-upright position. Additionally, in early medieval times, people were of similar heights to people today, and beds were rarely shorter than modern beds.
While there is no definitive evidence that conserving heat was the primary reason for sleeping sitting up, it is possible that it was one of the factors considered when choosing sleeping positions and arrangements.
It is worth noting that the practice of sleeping sitting up was not limited to specific regions or time periods. For example, in the 17th century, medical texts from Great Britain indicate that people adopted an elevated sleeping position to aid digestion. Additionally, some individuals, such as Stonewall Jackson, believed that sleeping sitting up aligned their organs properly and improved their overall health.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several theories as to why people in the past slept sitting up or in an upright position. One theory suggests that lying down was associated with death, so people propped themselves up on pillows while sleeping. Another theory claims that people believed "bad air" was heavier than fresh air, so sleeping with an elevated head kept the nose above the bad air. Other reasons include conserving heat and creating a gentle slope from the head to the stomach to aid digestion. However, it is unlikely that people slept fully sitting up, and beds were rarely shorter than modern beds.
The references to historical sleeping habits typically pertain to the late Middle Ages in Europe, specifically the 16th and 17th centuries.
While it is a common myth that people slept sitting up, historical evidence suggests that they did not. Beds in the 18th and early 19th centuries were individually made, so there was no standard size. However, most beds were equivalent to or larger than modern double beds.
Yes, medical texts from the 17th century suggest that sleeping with an elevated head was recommended for certain medical conditions. For example, patients with upper respiratory issues or those recovering from specific surgeries were advised to sleep with their heads raised.
Yes, cultural beliefs and practices played a role. For instance, in preindustrial Europe, people often slept in two separate segments, referred to as "first sleep" and "second sleep," rather than adhering to a set bedtime.
