By Prof. Samitha Hettige

Benjamin Franklin said early to bed & early to rise makes a man healthy & wise. However, due to lifestyle changes with night life & smart phones etc. many aren’t following Franklin. Though it’s difficult to wake those who pretend fast asleep, they should be aware that approx. 936 million people globally have had sleep related issues in 2023 (Ref. sleepcare). Over time many functional items associated with sleep have been developed. In the Chinese civilization pillows aren’t merely a functional item but expressions of art. At a recent exhibition in Beijing, pillows dating back to the Han Dynasty (202BC – 220 AD) to modern era were showcased. They were of unique shapes made of various materials ranging from wood, porcelain & goose feathers etc. Long ago, the Chinese who wore intricate headwear usually placed the pillow under the neck instead of the head. Hard pillows had provided a cooling effect while preventing hairstyles being disheveled. Similar practices may be applicable at present since the global hair care market was approx 99.5 billion UDS in 2023(Ref. Fortunebusiness.com). First porcelain pillows have appeared during the Sui Dynasty (581-618AD) & gained popularity during Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). Just the way people at present carry neck pillows, travelers have started carrying small porcelain pillows as sleeping aids. The porcelain pillow shaped in the form of a child lying prostrate (on display at Palace Museum, Beijing) is considered a masterpiece in Chinese ceramic history. During the Ming (1368-1644AD) & Qing (1644-1911AD) dynasties, porcelain pillows have faded away as softer pillows became popular (Ref. Chinese history).

Sleeping Opportunity Cost

American author Washington Irvin wrote the story of ‘Rip Van Winkle (early 1800s) who slept without a pillow for 20 years under a tree. Story goes on to say that he fell asleep due to intoxication as a result of bad association. Despite many requests to wake up, Sri Lankans slept more than 75 years engrossed in negative attitudes & conflicts missing opportunities. Those eager to stabilize the economy should wake up & associate friends who promote win-win trading unlike Rip Van Winkle. They may focus on contributing to the world ‘Sleeping Pillow’ & ‘SMART Pillow’ industries as they are projected to grow in the coming years. In 2020 neck pains have affected 203 million people globally & it is projected to be 269 million by 2050 (Ref. Healthdata.org). Hence, possible contributions to pillow industry may make an impact on economic restructuring. Trade connectivity through China’s Belt & Road Initiative should be used to attract FDIs & export produce to more markets.

I want every pillow shipped out the day we get the order – Mike Lindell (CEO My Pillow).

(Photo: Child shaped porcelain pillow – Ref Chinese Media)

(Views expressed are personal).