Discover the secrets of a well-rested nation as we delve into the intriguing world of sleep habits and practices of America’s forefathers. Uncover historical insights and timeless wisdom that can help you improve your own sleep routine. Join us on a fascinating journey through history, where red, white, and a good night’s sleep meet for a truly restful experience.
In this captivating exploration, we embark on a journey through time to uncover the sleeping habits and rituals of the visionary men and women who laid the foundation for the United States. From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, and even Thomas Jefferson, each had their own sleep practices. We are going to examine how they prioritized rest and rejuvenation in an era far different from our own.
Join us as we unravel the secrets of a well-rested nation and discover how the principles of our forefathers can inspire us to achieve optimal sleep and vitality in the modern world. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and enlightened as we dive into the intriguing realm where history, sleep, and the American spirit converge.
Interesting sleeping facts about historical figures
Not everyone got to utilize a memory foam mattress or cooling comforters. Back in the day sleep was much more difficult to attain. Due to this, different practices were utilized to better the quality of sleep. We are going to cover some of the sleeping habits of historical figures such as:
- George Washington
- Benjamin Franklin
- Thomas Jefferson
- Abigail Adams
George Washington
- George Washington would wake up early and eat a small meal consisting of cornmeal cakes and tea.
- George Washington would have tea with his guests late in the evening and preferred to go to bed early.
- When preparing for bed George Washington would read and write until his candle burned out.
What can we take away from this? Well, as they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is something our first president acknowledged. George Washington also practiced a bedtime routine that we have covered before which is drinking tea and engaging in a light activity to relax the body before bed. From what we can tell, former President George Washington understood how important sleep was due to his pattern of going to bed early.
Benjamin Franklin
According to sources, Benjamin Franklin would go to bed at 10 p.m. and then wake up again at 5 a.m., sleeping for a total of 7 hours.
We recommend getting around 6-8 hours of sleep each night. While we would have encouraged Benjamin to sleep a couple of hours later, we appreciate his efforts to gather enough sleep at night, unfortunately, he didn’t have Relaxium Sleep!
If he had, he could have fallen asleep faster, remained asleep for longer, and woken up feeling more refreshed and alert!
Thomas Jefferson
Like many of us, Thomas Jefferson would wake up early. From what we know, his routine included waking up with the sun, he would then start a fire and sock his feet in cold water. What he may have not known is cold water helps to stimulate the body; he unknowingly was helping himself wake each morning!
Another fun fact is that Jefferson would sleep in a semi-reclined position for five to eight hours. He slept in this position because his bed was not big enough.
Jefferson was also a reader before bed. A common bedtime practice to relax the mind. “I never go to bed without an hour, or half hour’s previous reading of something moral, whereon to ruminate in the intervals of sleep.”
Why was achieving sleep more difficult in years past?
In years past, there were many factors that increased the difficulty of falling asleep each day. These factors included:
- Limited lighting options
- Lack of temperature control
- Noise and distractions
- Work and lifestyle demands
- Lack of sleep awareness
Limited lighting options
We need to burn energy throughout the day to wear the body down so it can feel relaxed for bed. This was difficult in years past because, before electric lighting, people relied on candles, oil lamps, and gas lamps.
These lighting options were dimmer and less adjustable. This made doing activities like working or reading more difficult. It was also difficult in the case of nightmares considering you couldn’t simply flip a switch.
Lack of temperature control
We as humans sleep much better in cooler environments. Historically speaking, controlling the temperature in living spaces was very challenging. You didn’t have ventilation in the summer, or heating in the winter. The most you had to stay warm were layers and fireplaces.
Imagine how uncomfortable it was to adapt to weather changes when trying to sleep!
Noise and distraction
In years past, people didn’t have soundproofing or noise machines to drown out sound at night. This made sleeping comfortably very difficult. Street traffic, animals, and even household activities would provide a great distraction when trying to sleep.
Oftentimes families would have to sleep in the same sleeping quarters as opposed to having their own rooms.
Work and lifestyle demands
Work and lifestyle were very demanding and the majority of the time, very laborious or time-consuming. Time for rest and relaxation was limited due to this.
Waking up early and working late left little time for sleep.
Lack of sleep awareness
The resources and studies that we have now were not available to people in the past. This made the importance of awareness of sleep scarce. People weren’t aware of the impact sleep had on overall health and well-being.
People were also unaware of sleep disorders. Conditions and symptoms of sleep disorders were often overlooked or misunderstood.
Thankfully, we have evolved!
Just as sleep is important to us now, sleep was always important in years past and that was recognized. All we can say is thankfully we are in a time period where the importance of sleep is acknowledged and prioritized.
Relaxium offers a number of safe and effective supplements that aid in the categories of sleep, calm, focus, and immunity. Created by Clinical Neurologist, Dr. Eric Ciliberti, TryRelaxium.com offers a 30-day Money Back Guarantee trial of Relaxium Sleep to allow our users to truly experience its effects. To try the product today visit our website for more information.
To restful and healthy days ahead.
The Relaxium Team
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
https://finty.com/us/daily-routines/george-washington/
https://www.varsitytutors.com/earlyamerica/jefferson-primer/healthful-habits-thomas-jefferson