Sleep was always communal

Imagine you are having dinner with close family. You are enjoying the company, food and conversation. You think nothing of the fact that all of you are sitting in one large room together.

But now imagine if all of them said they were tired and wanted to sleep over. They would all retire to their individual room as far as possible, wouldn’t they?

Here is the strange thing.

For thousands of years, human beings slept in small groups.

For one who could afford large houses? It was obviously much safer to sleep in one large room instead of many in case there was an attack from foe or predator.

Keeping one room warm from the harsh winter was easier than many.

There are many reasons why.

But it is obvious to see how sleeping in small groups was more functional.

All of this changed as we saw economic progress. Larger houses afforded the ability to have a room for parents, one for children, and so on.

There was a time when only the King’s palace could afford such luxury.

So what did this evolution it do to our sleep?

The science seems to suggest that human beings are inherently social. While this is clear when you are awake, it also applies when asleep.

Human beings sleep better when surrounded by loved ones.

No, I dont want to change your social structure. Merely suggest that in case you have young children, let them sleep in your room as often as you can.

The comfort of being close to your loved ones, improves their sense of safety.

It was how all children slept for thousands of years. There is a commonly accepted notion that a child will become independant if they sleep alone in their room at night.

Perhaps. But the comfort that a parent can afford might be far more valuable.

Human beings are inherently social.

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