In this episode we look back on the beliefs and practices people had around sleep in the 16th-18th centuries. We learn about why sleep was thought so important for health, how various habits and superstitions arose around sleep often rooted in medicine or religion, and how the bedroom became a symbol of status and power. We also cover how the electrification of society radically changed our relationship with sleep.
Produced by: Dominic Carr
If you'd like to learn more about Professor Sasha Handley's work on the history of sleep, or are interested in checking out her book, feel free to follow the links below:
Professor Handley's researcher profile: https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/sasha.handley.html
Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28819134-sleep-in-early-modern-england
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleep-Early-Modern-England-Handley/dp/0300220391
More on the How We Used to Sleep Project: http://www.historiesofsleep.com/
This recording is property of the sleep science podcast and not for resale