Night Routine Trends for Better Sleep in the 1700s
Sweety KarlakSleep in the 1700s was shaped entirely by nature, tradition, religion, and daily labor. With no electricity, clocks in many homes, or modern science, people followed the rhythm of the sun, seasons, and community life.
Unlike today, people did not “plan” their sleep — they lived in a way that naturally led to rest. Their night routines were simple, slow, and deeply connected to the environment around them.
This blog explores how people prepared for sleep in the 18th century and what actually helped them sleep better.
Life After Sunset in the 1700s
Once the sun set, life slowed dramatically. Most homes relied on:
Candles
Oil lamps
Fireplaces
Light was expensive and limited, so people avoided staying awake too long. Darkness naturally pushed them toward sleep.
This made their sleep more aligned with the body’s natural cycle.
Key Night Routine Trends in the 1700s
1. Very Early Bedtime (Sunset-Based Sleep)
Most people went to bed between 7 PM and 9 PM, depending on the season.
Farmers and laborers often slept soon after sunset because they had to wake before sunrise.
👉 Benefit:
Natural alignment with the body’s internal clock.
2. Evening Family Time by the Fire
Before bed, families commonly:
Sat together around the fireplace
Talked quietly
Told stories
Read from religious books (if they could read)
This created a calm and emotionally safe atmosphere before sleep.
3. No Artificial Distractions
There were:
No screens
No bright lights
No loud entertainment
No late-night work
Silence and darkness made it much easier to fall asleep.
4. Simple, Early Evening Meals
Dinner was eaten early and was usually simple.
Common foods included:
Bread
Porridge
Stew
Vegetables
Milk or ale (in some regions)
Heavy, late-night eating was rare, which helped digestion and sleep.
5. Basic Cleanliness Before Bed
Daily bathing was uncommon, but people often:
Washed hands and face
Cleaned feet
Changed into night clothing
This helped them feel comfortable in bed.
6. Traditional Sleeping Arrangements
Beds in the 1700s were usually made of:
Wooden frames
Straw or feather mattresses
Wool or linen blankets
Rooms were:
Dark
Cool
Quiet
These conditions naturally supported deeper sleep.
7. Prayer and Spiritual Reflection
In most households, bedtime included:
Family prayer
Personal reflection
Thanking God for the day
This helped reduce anxiety and promote mental peace.
How Long Did People Sleep in the 1700s?
Most people slept 7–9 hours per night, depending on:
Season
Work type
Weather
In winter, they often slept longer because nights were much darker and colder.
What We Can Learn From 1700s Night Routines
Even today, many sleep experts recommend similar habits:
Go to bed earlier
Reduce artificial light at night
Keep bedrooms dark and cool
Avoid heavy late meals
Have a calming bedtime ritual
In many ways, the 1700s routine was simple — but very effective.
Conclusion
Night routines in the 1700s were shaped by nature, community, and faith. Without technology or modern distractions, people naturally followed habits that promoted deeper, more restful sleep.
Their lifestyle, though basic, was surprisingly sleep-friendly.
FAQ – Night Routine Trends in the 1700s
1. What time did people sleep in the 1700s?
Most went to bed between 7 PM and 9 PM.
2. Did people sleep more in winter?
Yes, because nights were longer and darker.
3. Did they use pillows?
Yes — often filled with feathers, straw, or cloth.
4. Did they bathe every day?
No, but they cleaned hands, face, and feet before bed.
5. Did families sleep together?
Often yes — especially in poorer households.
6. Were bedrooms quiet?
Mostly yes, except for outdoor sounds like wind or animals.
7. Did people read before bed?
Some did, usually religious texts.
8. Did they wake up early?
Yes — usually before sunrise.
9. Did they have insomnia?
Yes, but they often relied on prayer, herbal teas, or relaxation by the fire.
10. What can we learn from the 1700s?
Live closer to natural rhythms, reduce artificial light, and keep bedtime simple.
