Geishas were professional entertainers in Japan that emerged in the 18th century. They were trained in various arts such as music, dance, and conversation. Geishas lived in special geisha houses called Okiya and their lives were highly regulated by strict rules and schedules. Even their sleeping habits were dictated by tradition and customs.
What time did geishas go to bed?
Geishas had a very late bedtime schedule as their work would often continue late into the night. A typical geisha’s day would start around noon when they would wake up and start getting ready. Their work entertaining at banquets, parties, and tea houses would usually go on until the early hours of the morning.
It was common for geishas not to get back to the okiya until 2 or 3 am. Only then would they be able to take off their heavy wigs, makeup, and kimono and go to bed. So the average geisha would go to bed between 3-5 am.
Where did geishas sleep?
Within the okiya, geishas would sleep in communal rooms on tatami mat floors. Young geishas in training, known as maiko, would often sleep together in a large room overseen by the okaa-san or “mother” of the okiya. The okaa-san acted as their mentor and teacher. As geishas got older and more established they would move into smaller individual rooms within the okiya.
The rooms were sparse with no beds or furniture except for a small wooden block pillow called a makura. Geishas would sleep on thin futon mattresses that were rolled out at night and put away in the morning.
Did geishas have a special sleeping position?
Yes, geishas were required to sleep in a specific position called the tsuma-domari or “wife-sleeping” position. Geishas had to sleep on their side with their knees drawn up in a fetal position. It was done to maintain the shape of the kimono sash or obi.
Sleeping on their back was forbidden as it would crush the obi knot and damage the expensive kimono. The tsuma-domari protected the kimono and ensured the intricate knot would remain in place overnight. It was a necessary tradition given the intricate nature of a maiko’s dress.
Why did geishas sleep with a wooden pillow?
The traditional makura or wooden pillow used by geishas served a few purposes:
- Kept elaborate hairstyles pristine overnight
- Protected the nape of the neck from cold
- Prevented wrinkles and skin creasing
Geishas took great pride in their appearance and spent hours having their hair styled. The wooden block ensured they woke up with their hair still perfectly in place and protected the back of the neck where the skin was bare.
The wood also provided a smooth hard surface so the geisha’s face and skin would not crease while sleeping, helping to keep a youthful look.
Did geishas use pillows?
Regular soft pillows were not commonly used by geishas while sleeping. They opted for the firmer wooden makura due to its protective benefits for their appearance. However, some additional padding was sometimes placed over the makura for a bit more comfort.
This could include a folded hand towel or small cushioning pillow filled with buckwheat chaff or rice bran. But the wood remained the main sleeping implement. Younger geishas would generally use softer pillows until their necks got used to the hardness of the wooden rest.
Were there any special nighttime rituals?
Geishas had several customs and rituals they would follow before going to bed at night:
- Removing white makeup face powder with special cleansing oil
- Taking down intricate hairstyles and wiping decorative hairpins
- Cleaning and drying the wooden pillow blocks
- Changing out of the heavy silk kimono into a lighter robe
- Rolling out the futon mattress
Their bedtime routine took time and care to properly remove the trappings of the geisha costume and artifice before they could settle down to sleep in private.
Did geishas use any special nightwear?
After removing their makeup and undoing their kimono, geishas would change into a lightweight cotton robe called a nemaki for sleeping. The robes offered more comfort and mobility overnight.
For colder weather, heavier cotton robes called yogi were also worn. Geishas did not typically wear any special nightgowns or caps while sleeping.
Were older geishas allowed to sleep in?
Established geishas who had completed their training were allowed a bit more leeway with their sleeping schedule. They could sometimes sleep in until 5 or 6am rather than waking up as early at 3am.
But there was still an expectation to be up relatively early for lessons, rehearsals, and preparations for the day’s engagements. So most geishas still maintained a routine of going to bed late and waking up within a few hours.
Could geishas nap during the day?
With their late nights and rising at dawn, afternoon naps were highly valued by geishas. During quieter times in the early afternoon, they were allowed to sneak in short naps to recharge.
Napping would help them get through the late nights entertaining. A 30 to 90 minute nap was often needed after being up until the early morning hours. Some okiya had special napping rooms where geishas could catch up on sleep in the daytime.
Were there exceptions for pregnant geishas?
If a geisha became pregnant, which was less common, they were allowed to take time off and rest. Expectant geishas could sleep and nap more freely rather than sticking to the strict schedule.
After giving birth they may also extend their sleeping times while caring for the child in early infancy before returning to duty as a geisha.
Did geishas use any aids to fall asleep?
With their unusual sleep cycles, geishas would often rely on some natural sleep remedies and aids to help them fall asleep quickly in the morning hours after work. Some common natural sleep aids used included:
- Chamomile tea – Relaxing herbal tea made from chamomile flowers
- Yuzu baths – Taking a warm bath infused with the citrus fruit yuzu
- Meditation – Quiet meditation before bed
- Lavender – Inhaling essential oils of lavender
Things like warm milk, deep breathing, and massage were also employed to help geishas unwind and drift off to sleep after their busy nights entertaining.
Did geishas have trouble sleeping?
The highly regimented lifestyle of geishas did not always lend itself to the most restful sleep patterns. Having to go to bed at 3 or 4am and wake up a few short hours later prevented them from getting adequate sleep.
Being expected to sleep in a rigid curled up position also added discomfort. The wooden pillow blocks were also unnatural for most to adjust to initially. So insomnia, restlessness, and fatigue were not uncommon until geishas got used to the taxation of their duties.
Were there punishments if rules were broken?
There were sometimes punishments enacted on geishas who broke the strict okiya rules related to sleeping. Examples include:
- Verbal reprimand for oversleeping and missing lessons
- Chores or work duties for not adopting the proper sleeping position
- Fines or withholding gifts for staying up past curfew
Enforcing the sleeping policies was seen as essential to maintain discipline and ensure geishas were properly trained.
Conclusion
In conclusion, geishas had highly regulated sleeping routines dictated by tradition. They would go to bed around 3-5am after entertaining into the night and have to wake up just a few hours later. Within communal rooms, they slept on flat futon mats using wooden pillows in a curled position to protect their dress and hairstyle overnight. Their bedtime rituals provided some soothing comfort before another short rest. With such an unusual nocturnal schedule, aids to sleep and napping were essential for geishas to function at their peak.