Night Routine Trends for Better Sleep in the 1900s
Sweety KarlakSleep in the early 1900s was a mix of old traditions and new modern habits. Electricity was slowly spreading in cities, but many homes still relied on lamps and natural darkness. People were beginning to experience industrial life, factory work, and urban living, which slightly changed bedtime habits compared to the 1800s.
This blog explores how people prepared for sleep in the early 20th century and what helped them rest better.
Life After Sunset in the 1900s
By the 1900s, evenings looked a little more active than in the 1800s. Many homes used:
Oil lamps
Gas lamps
Early electric bulbs (mainly in cities)
However, light was still limited, so people generally went to bed earlier than today.
Key Night Routine Trends in the 1900s
1. Earlier Bedtime Than Today
Most people still went to bed between 9 PM and 10:30 PM, especially workers and families.
👉 Benefit:
More natural sleep cycle and less late-night stimulation.
2. Family Time in the Evening
Before bed, families often:
Sat together
Talked about the day
Listened to radio (later in the 1920s)
Read books or newspapers
This created a calm, bonding atmosphere before sleep.
3. Limited Technology (Compared to Today)
In the early 1900s:
No smartphones
No television (until later decades)
Minimal bright lighting
This helped people fall asleep more easily.
4. Simple and Early Dinner
Evening meals were usually light and eaten earlier than today.
Common foods included:
Bread and butter
Soup or stew
Vegetables
Milk or tea
Late-night snacking was uncommon.
5. Basic Cleanliness Before Bed
People commonly:
Washed hands and face
Brushed teeth (more common by mid-1900s)
Changed into night clothes
This helped them feel fresh and comfortable.
6. Sleeping Environment
Beds in the 1900s were typically:
Wooden or metal frames
Cotton or feather mattresses
Wool blankets
Rooms were generally:
Dark
Quiet
Cool
These conditions supported good sleep.
7. Religion or Personal Reflection
Many families practiced:
Night prayers
Quiet reflection
Thanking God before sleep
This reduced stress and promoted peace of mind.
How Long Did People Sleep?
Most people slept 7–9 hours per night, similar to the 1800s.
However, factory workers in cities sometimes slept slightly less due to work schedules.
What We Can Learn From 1900s Night Routines
Even today, we can take inspiration from their habits:
Go to bed earlier
Reduce bright lights before sleep
Eat lighter dinners
Spend calm time with family
Keep bedrooms dark and quiet
Their routines were simple but effective.
Conclusion
Night routines in the 1900s were a blend of traditional habits and early modern life. While technology slowly increased, people still valued rest, family time, and simple bedtime rituals that supported better sleep.
FAQ – Night Routine Trends in the 1900s
1. What time did people usually sleep in the 1900s?
Most people went to bed between 9 PM and 10:30 PM.
2. Did people sleep better in the 1900s than today?
Often yes, because of fewer distractions and less artificial light.
3. What kind of beds did they use?
Wooden or metal beds with cotton or feather mattresses.
4. Did people use electricity at night?
Some did in cities, but many still used oil or gas lamps.
5. Did people wake up at night?
Some did, especially in rural areas or during winter.
6. What did families do before bed?
They talked, read, listened to early radio (later years), or prayed together.
7. Did people bathe every night?
No, but basic washing before bed was common.
8. What did they eat at night?
Light meals like soup, bread, vegetables, and milk.
9. How many hours did they sleep?
Typically 7–9 hours per night.
10. What can we learn from 1900s sleep habits today?
Keep evenings calm, reduce bright lights, eat light dinners, and follow a simple bedtime routine.
