Pillows were once made from stone, wood and straw in different times and places.

The longer version

Hard pillows served real purposes: coolness, height to keep the head above dust and insects, and separation from damp floors. Materials followed whatever was at hand, so stone, carved wood, ceramic and bundled straw all show up in the record. Preferred height varied, with some cultures wanting a high support and others barely raising the head at all.

Soft stuffed pillows became common only once cheap textiles were widely available. Before that, a raised headrest or a rolled cloth did the job. Organic fillings attracted vermin and had to be replaced, which is one reason surviving examples are rare. The variety of shapes across regions shows how much sleeping furniture reflects local climate and materials.

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.