Many millennia ago, when the human brain was still developing, we did not use any bedding at all. Cavemen would simply sleep on the floor, finding the comfiest place that they could. This altered as brain capacity improved and humans learnt to use objects around them to provide a more comfortable sleeping environment. Here we look at the evolution of human bedding and how it came to be similar to the items that we are now familiar with today.

Taking the first step

The first step in the evolutionary process of bedding was the use of leaves and twigs. Humans began to lay them on the floor, much like an animal creating a den or nest, to provide extra comfort from the hard ground.

Adding warmth

The second stage of bedding development came in the form of providing cover to add extra warmth during cold nights. Due to the fact that humans were hunter-gatherers at this time; most of their food came from animals which they killed. The realisation that animal fur provided great warmth eventually came and humans began skinning their prey; using the pelts as blankets.

Introduction of sleeping bags and mattresses

As human’s brain capacity developed even further complex tools such as the needle were invented. This invention allowed us to sew animal pelts together, which lead to the creation of the first sleeping bag. The sleeping bag idea was then taken further and stuffed with things like feathers, leaves and grass, to produce the first mattress.

Animal instincts

The final step in the evolution of bedding was the creation of bed frames. It is thought that humans observed how animals such as apes, slept in trees to stay off the cold and wet floor and safe from predators. By following the lead of animals, humans created bed frames which served to take their mattresses away from the floor, thus keeping them dry.