(1 minute reading time)
For most of human history, we have slept together in groups. Families and even whole communities shared one large space for eating, sleeping and living in many indigenous tribes. This was normal – it gave warmth, safety, and a sense of belonging.
Only in modern times have we started to build separate, isolated rooms and call it privacy. We find sleeping together ‘primitive’. Now we sleep alone or with just one partner, believing it’s better for comfort and independence. But is it really better? And how can we know the difference if we have never experienced how the tribes shared their space with each other?
Benefits of Sharing Your Sleep Space
- Increases feelings of safety and emotional closeness
- Boosts oxytocin levels, promoting relaxation
- Lowers levels of depression, anxiety, and stress
- Promotes restorative sleep and reduces insomnia
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Improves immune system function
- Strengthens relationships
Our modern homes are designed for separation, promoting independence and creating isolation. Even our beds reflect this, and there are no easily accessible ways to sleep in groups other than by putting a couple of single mattresses next to each other. This makes it challenging to try anything different, so most of us never even consider it as an option.
Can we rethink this and bring back the warmth of shared sleeping?