From Pharaohs to CEOs: The Timeless Quest for Rest

By Richard Aikman, Editor of CIDPedia

Sleepless Nights: A Universal Struggle

Editor’s Note:
You will notice some repetition in the content about things like temperature, routines, or light. That’s intentional. Just like training for a marathon, improving your sleep isn’t about finding a single magic fix-it’s about practicing, experimenting, and building habits over time. Sometimes you’ll need to revisit the basics, adjust your “training plan,” and try again. Sleep is a journey, not a sprint, and every small adjustment gets you closer to restful nights. Stick with it-you’re building your own personal sleep marathon, and we are here with you.

If you’re reading this at 2 a.m., wide awake and frustrated, you’re not alone. As someone living with CIDP and chronic sleep challenges, I know how exhausting the search for real rest can be. But here’s something that gives me hope: people have been tackling this same problem for thousands of years, across every culture and climate. Their solutions-rooted in both necessity and ingenuity-might just help you tonight.

Ancient Wisdom: How Civilizations Engineered Sleep

Egypt: The Art of Staying Cool

In ancient Egypt, sleep was a matter of survival. Summer nights could be stifling, so Egyptians soaked linen sheets in water and draped them over their bodies. This wasn’t just a clever trick-it was their version of air conditioning. Modern science backs them up: cooling your body by even a degree or two can reduce nighttime awakenings by nearly a third. Today, we have cooling mattress pads, breathable bamboo sheets, and moisture-wicking pajamas, but the principle is the same-sometimes, a little coolness is the difference between tossing and turning and finally drifting off.

CIDP Tip:
If neuropathy pain or inflammation keeps you up, try a cooling pad or breathable bedding. Cooler temps can reduce nerve irritation and help your body relax.

Aztec Temazcal: Rituals of Heat and Healing

Travel west to the Aztecs, and you’ll find the Temazcal-a steam lodge ceremony that combined intense heat, herbal aromas, and a cold plunge. The goal was purification, but the result was deep, restorative sleep. Science now tells us that this ritual-alternating heat and cold-triggers endorphins and boosts melatonin. While you may not have a steam lodge at home, an evening sauna or even a hot shower followed by a blast of cool air can work wonders.

CIDP Tip:
If you have muscle stiffness or pain, gentle heat (like a warm bath) can ease tension before sleep. Always avoid excessive heat if you have sensory issues or autonomic dysfunction.

Greece: Sleep Temples and Dream Therapy

The Greeks took a different approach, blending mind and body in their sleep temples. People would fast, bathe in herbal waters, and sleep in sacred spaces, hoping for healing dreams. Today, sleep clinics use similar techniques: cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), mindfulness, and dream journaling. Personally, writing down my worries or dreams before bed sometimes helps quiet my mind. If you haven’t tried a guided meditation app like Calm or Headspace, it might be your modern-day temple.

CIDP Tip:
Anxiety and pain often go hand-in-hand. Mindfulness, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques can help calm both the mind and the body, making it easier to drift off.

Spain: The Siesta’s Evolution

Spain’s siesta tradition, rooted in Roman times, has evolved over centuries. Once a practical response to afternoon heat, the siesta is now a luxury for urbanites, with nap cafés in Madrid renting pods to busy professionals. Even NASA has validated the power of short naps, recommending a shot of espresso followed by a 20-minute rest for a 35% boost in alertness. I’ve tried this myself, and while it doesn’t always work perfectly, sometimes it’s just the reset my body needs.

CIDP Tip:
If fatigue hits hard during the day, a short nap (15–25 minutes) can help restore energy. Just avoid napping too late in the afternoon, as it may interfere with nighttime sleep.

Hunter-Gatherers: The 6.5-Hour Myth

Even hunter-gatherer societies like the Hazda of Tanzania and the Tsimane of Bolivia defy our assumptions about sleep. They average just over six hours a night, yet thrive without the chronic fatigue so many of us feel. Their secret? Consistency and living in sync with the sun. That’s why to use a sunrise alarm clock and avoid screens after dark-it’s not always easy, but it may help.

CIDP Tip:
Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Exposure to natural light during the day and dimming lights at night can help reset your body’s clock.

Global Innovations: Modern Sleep Solutions Inspired by Tradition

Japan: Inemuri-Napping with Purpose

In Japan, napping at work (inemuri) signals dedication, not laziness. Companies like Fuji Xerox install nap rooms, while Tokyo’s “nap cafés” are booming. Nissan reports a 40% drop in errors after adopting workplace naps. Try the “10-3-2-1” rule: no caffeine 10 hours before bed, meals 3 hours prior, work 2 hours earlier, screens 1 hour beforehand.

CIDP Tip:
If you work or study, advocate for short, scheduled breaks. Even a 10-minute rest with eyes closed can help reduce sensory overload and fatigue.

Sweden: Friluftsliv-The Power of Fresh Air

Swedes practice friluftsliv-open-air living-even in winter. Sleeping in 46°F air boosts brown fat and improves REM sleep by 20%. Take a brisk walk before bed, then crack your window overnight.

CIDP Tip:
If you’re sensitive to cold, try layering blankets and using a breathable pillow. Fresh air, even from a cracked window, can help regulate temperature and improve sleep quality.

Nigeria: The Healing Power of Community

In Nigerian Igbo culture, families often sleep together in shared spaces, telling stories to ease anxiety. Harvard research shows that social bonding can lower stress hormones by 25%. For those of us who sleep alone or feel isolated, a weighted blanket or even a virtual bedtime chat with a friend can help recreate that sense of comfort.

CIDP Tip:
If pain or anxiety keeps you up, connect with a friend or support group before bed. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone makes all the difference.

South Korea: Sleep Cafés and Tech Detox

Seoul’s sleep cafés offer soundproof pods with white noise and lavender diffusers. Patrons fall asleep 50% faster than at home. Create your own “sleep sanctuary” with blackout curtains, pink noise apps, and lavender oil.

CIDP Tip:
If you’re sensitive to noise or light, invest in blackout curtains and a white or pink noise machine. Aromatherapy with lavender or chamomile can also help soothe nerves.

Bhutan: Mandated Naps for Happiness

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index includes mandated afternoon rest periods, linking naps to a 15% rise in productivity. While not every workplace will follow suit, advocating for rest breaks is a step toward better sleep for all.

CIDP Tip:
If you’re managing CIDP symptoms at work or school, ask about accommodations for short rest breaks. Protecting your energy is essential self-care.

Your Personalized Sleep Toolkit

Cool Like a Pharaoh:
Set your thermostat to 65–68°F, use cooling pads, or try a damp towel on hot nights.

Ritualize Rest:
Adopt a calming pre-sleep routine-herbal tea, mindfulness, or journaling.

Nap Smart:
Short naps (15–25 minutes) or NASA’s caffeine nap can boost alertness without ruining nighttime sleep.

Embrace the Cold:
A brisk walk before bed, a cooler room, or a cold shower can prime your body for deep rest.

Community Cure:
Share stories, connect with friends, or use a weighted blanket to mimic the comfort of communal sleep.

CIDP-Specific Strategies

• If neuropathy pain keeps you up, experiment with cooling pads, gentle heat, or weighted blankets (if comfortable).

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage both pain and anxiety.

• Advocate for rest breaks and accommodations at work or school.

• Connect with others in the CIDP community for support and shared solutions.

Conclusion: Sleep is a Shared Human Journey

From linen-draped Egyptians to nap-pod-dwelling CEOs, the pursuit of rest unites us. By merging ancient wisdom with modern science, we reclaim sleep not as a luxury, but as a birthright. If one thing doesn’t work, keep experimenting. Perseverance, patience, and an open mind are your best allies. Together, we may find what helps you rest.

Further Reading & Resources

1. https://sleepbetter.org/sleep-like-an-egyptian/

2. https://cancuntourbase.com/travel-tips/temazcal-in-mexico-is-it-worthwhile

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asclepieion

4. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/napping

5. https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/japanese-inemuri-nap-is-an-effective-remedy-for-brain-fog/

6. https://afroginthefjord.com/2020/11/14/how-the-concept-of-norwegian-friluftsliv-can-save-your-life/

7. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-health-benefits-of-strong-relationships

8. https://nextshark.com/nap-cafes-reveal-just-little-sleep-south-koreans-getting

9. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20211024-bhutans-unique-approach-to-happiness

RESOURCES VERIFIED MAY 2025