Stories

People have referenced sleep in many ways throughout history, many of which have been lost to time as cultural context changes and their origins fade. Some are still spoken, despite their meanings becoming increasingly cloudy as humanity evolves. However, looking at them through their cultural lens gives us a glimpse into another time, offers insight into the daily lives of those who came before us, and lets us wonder what may come from today’s habits.

Sleep 40 Winks: Referencing sleep as a “wink” dates to the 14th-century writings, though Shakespeare’s use of the term likely kept it relevant in today’s language.* Forty winks doesn’t seem like enough time to describe even the shortest of naps, but further examination of cultural context provides an explanation. Predating biblical times, people used 40 to describe a large but indeterminate amount. Its use in this manner continued through the writings of clergymen and Shakespeare, giving us the figure of speech we use today.**

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed: In Rome, there were superstitions that connected “left” with evil. Naturally, they wanted to start their days getting up on the right side of the bed so that good luck followed them. The superstition against the concept of “left” faded as time progressed, but its roots continue to influence areas of the world touched by the Roman Empire.***

Sleep Tight: There are a couple of explanations that can be attributed to the phrase. Before adjustable bases, flat foundations, and box springs, mattress support methods looked a little different. Ropes were stretched across a wooden frame and tied in place before the cushioning part of the bed was added to the top. To support the mattress and person, the ropes had to stay tightly strung.^ Other interpretations take it a little more literally, though to do so, one must reference Shakespeare again. The Bard used “tight” to mean safe, secure, and sound, which also points to a possible literal interpretation of “sleep soundly.”^^

Rise and Shine: This phrase has mostly biblical origins, tied to a verse in Isaiah, though it was cemented into everyday use as a wake-up call for soldiers. “Rise” is self-explanatory for getting out of bed, and soldiers shined their shoes in the morning, hence the second connection. Whether or not the wakeup call is a humorous nod to its biblical alternative is up for theorization.^^^

Speculating on humanity’s next batch of sleep-related idioms becomes a fun pastime as cultural habits change. For instance, as people incorporate adjustable bases into their bedtime routine, maybe we’ll say, “Going zero-g,” to mean going to bed, referencing the zero-gravity feature on the Ease.  We may not know what the future holds, but appreciating the evolution of language helps us connect with our roots and dream of what’s next.

Sources:

*Phrases (40 Winks)

**The Idioms (40 Winks)

***The Idioms (Wrong Side of Bed)

^Somnology

^^Dreams

^^^Phrases (Rise and Shine)