186

Communal Sleeping

Opening context:
Couple’s Realm, Children’s Realm, Sleeping to the East, Bed Cluster, Bed Alcove

Conflict

In many traditional and primitive cultures, sleep is a communal activity without sexual overtones it has in the West today. We believe that it may be a vital social function, which plays a role as fundamental and as necessary to people as communal eating.

Resolution

Arrange the sleeping area so that there is the possibility for children and adults to sleep in the same space, in sight and sound of one another, at least as an occasional alternative to their more usual sleeping habits.

This can be done in the common area near the fireplace, where the entire household and guests can sleep together — one large mat and some blankets in an alcove. It is also possible to build bed alcoves for overnight guests, in an extended couple’s realm.

Closing context:
Alcoves, Marriage Bed, Bed Alcove, Bed Cluster