Beds in ancient Egypt were raised off the floor and sometimes had headrests instead of pillows.

The longer version

Egyptian bed frames stood on legs, woven with cord or leather straps, and the sleeper's head often rested on a carved wooden or stone headrest that lifted it clear of the surface. The design kept air moving around the body in a hot climate and also kept insects, snakes and scorpions at a distance.

Headrests appear in tomb goods alongside beds, and some were shaped with cushioned curves for the neck. They also protected elaborate hairstyles. The frames were low and narrow by modern standards, sometimes with a footboard or a canopy for netting. Similar raised headrests turn up in other ancient cultures in warm regions, suggesting independent invention.

Where this entry sits

This collection gathers curious details about sleeping and dreaming, from nightly brain stages and body clocks to naps, yawns and unusual animal habits. It also covers how bedtime customs have changed across centuries, without offering any advice. The full list sits on the Sleep and Dreams page, where every entry is listed in order.