Cultures worldwide have developed fascinating and functional ways to catch some sleep. While the familiar mattress and bed frame combo is the norm in many Western countries, a trip around the world unveils a range of bed designs built for specific conditions.
In another scenario, taking naps at work or midday may be frowned upon in some cultures, but perfectly acceptable to some. What do these tell us? There is a rich diversity in sleep culture. In this article, let's explore a few of the various and interesting ways that people sleep,
Different Types of Beds
Thinking about sleep, many people imagine a comfortable mattress tailored to their preferences, a soft pillow, crisp sheets, and maybe even a weighted blanket. However, sleeping habits can be more diverse than expected.
The Kang, A Stone Bed Built for Warmth
In the cold northern region of China, the kang has been a cornerstone for many homes. This ingenious bed is a living and sleeping platform built around a heating system, designed to fight through harsh winters.
Typically made from stone, brick, or clay, the kang consists of three parts: a fireplace, the kang or platform, and a chimney. The platform features a hollow space where the flues channel hot exhaust from a wood or coal fireplace, typically located in an adjacent room that also serves as a kitchen or a stove placed below floor level.
During the day, the kang serves as a platform for household chores. At night, bedding is laid out on the kang for sleep and then put away in the morning. In some homes, the whole floor, not just the platform, can be heated through this same system. It's called dikang, with the addition of "di" referring to the floor.
In rural parts of the country, the kang is still widely used but with some variations to the heat source.
Sleeping on the Floor with Tatami and Futon
Japan is often associated with minimalism and practicality, which is evident in their traditional sleeping style: on the floor with a tatami and a futon.
The futon is a simple mattress, filled with cotton and encased with a fabric cover, that can be easily folded and stored. A complete futon set consists of the shikibuton (mattress) and the kakebuton (duvet).
A futon traditionally sits atop a tatami, a woven mat made from rice straw. Compared to setting a futon over wooden stone flooring, a tatami provides a softer, even base. The springy material allows for some airflow under the futon and protects it from dust and dirt.
Warm Floor for a Warm Sleep with Ondol
The Korean ondol isn't quite a bed in the traditional sense but rather a unique underfloor heating system. Like the kang, the ondol works beneath the floor through a network of flues and channels, called gorae. A wood-fired furnace known as agungi has been used traditionally to heat these channels.
Sleeping on top of the heated flooring was the way to go. Koreans traditionally use a thick blanket-like mattress, easy to fold and store away, called yo, a quilt called yi-bul, and a pillow filled with wheat husks called a pyogae.
Although the ondol is no longer widely used, some modern homes still use a similar heating system using hot water pipes instead of a fireplace.
Charpai, a Woven Wonder for Warm Weather
The charpai is a traditional woven rope bed found in different parts of South Asia such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and even extending as far as Myanmar, with each region exhibiting variation in the design. This piece can be used as both a daybed for lounging and a bed at night.
The base is a simple four-post frame traditionally made of carved wood, connected by four horizontal beams for stability. Depending on local availability, natural fibers such as coir, moonj grass, or cotton are used to create ropes that are then woven in a crisscross pattern on the frame. Some contemporary versions of the charpai might feature metal frames and plastic rope.
The woven ropes create a suspended sleeping surface that is firm and supportive, with the open weave allowing air circulation for comfort in hot and humid climates.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels
Unique Sleep Habits Across the World
Sleep is universal, but some distinct practices set some cultures apart. Here are some interesting examples:
Siesta
Spain, parts of Latin America, and the Philippines culturally embrace siesta (though not all practice it, of course). It's an afternoon nap usually taken after a midday meal. The heat and the lunch can make people drowsy, and the siesta offers a chance to recharge and beat the afternoon heat.
Inemuri
In Japan, the practice of inemuri, which means "to be present while sleeping," involves taking short naps in public places, particularly at work, but also in cafes, classes, and commuter trains. At work, this quick power nap is seen as a sign of dedication and hard work, indicating that a person has put their all into their tasks.
Worry Dolls
In Guatemala, sad and anxious children use worry dolls, which are little handmade figures, to chase away nighttime anxiety. Before bed, they confide their fears and sorrows to the dolls and place them under their pillows, relinquishing their worries.
Outdoor Sleeping
In Nordic countries, it's common for parents to let their babies nap outdoors in their cribs and strollers. They believe that fresh air promotes better sleep, strengthens the immune system, and promotes better well-being by being around nature.
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Exploring the different beds across the world gives us a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resourcefulness of different cultures. It also highlights the universality of the human need for comfort and rest. After all, a good night's sleep is essential for everyone, regardless of where we come from.
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