Episode 2: Sasha Handley - A history of sleep in Early Modern England Artwork

Sleep Science Podcast

We spend a third of our lives sleeping, and this podcast is all about understanding sleep. We know a lot about what the brain does in sleep, but we are just starting to understand why it does some of these things, and even more excitingly, how we can take full advantage of sleep and also manipulate it for our own ends. In each episode, neuroscientist Penny Lewis interviews a different sleep researcher, talking about a various aspect of sleep science. Topics will include sleep physiology and medicine, circadian rhythm, how sleep impacts on our memories and creativity, Sleep Engineering for enhanced health and cognition, and the most recent technologies to promote sleep.©SleepSciencePodcast 2021. These materials may be downloaded for personal use only. They may not be shared, distributed or reproduced in any form or for any reason without express permission

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Sleep Science Podcast

Episode 2: Sasha Handley - A history of sleep in Early Modern England

August 25, 2020 • Penelope Lewis • Season 1 • Episode 2

In this episode we look back on the beliefs and practices people had around sleep in the 16th-18th centuries. We learn about why sleep was thought so important for health, how various habits and superstitions arose around sleep often rooted in medicine or religion, and how the bedroom became a symbol of status and power. We also cover how the electrification of society radically changed our relationship with sleep.

Produced by: Dominic Carr

If you'd like to learn more about Professor Sasha Handley's work on the history of sleep, or are interested in checking out her book, feel free to follow the links below:

Professor Handley's researcher profile: https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/sasha.handley.html

Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28819134-sleep-in-early-modern-england

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleep-Early-Modern-England-Handley/dp/0300220391

More on the How We Used to Sleep Project: http://www.historiesofsleep.com/

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Check out our NaPS website to find out more about our team, our research and events.

This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.