How humans transitioned to sleeping on beds
When we imagine beds, we usually picture a comfy mattress with clean sheets, a soft comforter, and a fluffy pillow. However, things weren't always this way. Our ancestors had quite an adventure sleeping on the cold, hard floor with nothing but leaves and straw for a touch of comfort. So, how did we transition from basic setups to raised and comfortable beds? Read on.
Our earliest ancestors slept on trees
In the era before Homo sapiens, our chimp-like relatives, the Homo erectus, likely slept high up in trees, away from potential predators. With the discovery of fire, humans found a new sense of security on the ground during the night, as the warmth and light from the fire deterred potential threats. This marked the early beginnings of sleeping on flat surfaces.
Cavemen slept on grass and ash layers
About 77,000 years ago, as per Phys.org, archaeologists found the earliest known 'mattress' in South Africa. The cavemen used to sleep on beds made with sheaves of insect-repelling grass over a layer of ashes. This deliberate strategy kept the bedding clean and insulated, while also keeping away any unwanted nighttime crawlers. The ash blocked insects' breathing and biting equipment and eventually dehydrated them.
The concept of raised beds originated in ancient Egypt
It was around 3000-1000 BCE when the resourceful Egyptians pioneered the concept of raised beds. They did so not just to steer clear of snakes and rodents but also to display their wealth. The wealthy owned wooden beds with cushions, while the less privileged slept on straw mats on the ground. Raised beds also helped regulate temperature, providing protection from both cold and heat.
Romans and Greeks raised their beds too
Much like the Egyptians, the Romans, and Greeks too elevated their mattresses, with Romans sometimes needing ladders to reach them. Romans used wood, metal, or ivory beds supported by ropes or strings. The wealthy enjoyed the luxury of mattresses stuffed with soft wool or feathers. Meanwhile, the Greeks focused more on comfort and came up with klines, versatile furniture resembling modern-day sofas.
In the East, sleep practices were diverse
In Japan, citizens preferred the simplicity of cotton bed rolls (futons) placed on the ground. 11th century BCE Chinese cultures took a different approach, creating elevated beds made from bricks and clay (kang), offering warmth during colder times. Meanwhile, in today's India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh regions, the charpai, a portable bed made of wood and ropes, was popular due to its convenience for migration.
Modern-era beds are all about design and comfort
The Renaissance era saw beds transformed with grand designs. The 16th century saw even grander designs, peaking in the 17th and 18th centuries with the rise of popular four-poster beds draped in curtains. The 20th century further brought dramatic innovations, marking a new era of mattress and bed options. Today, innovations continue, all in the pursuit of enhancing our comfort for a dream-filled sleep.
