It was bigger and older than anyone had expected.

When researchers explored the Saboodu Cave site in South Africa back in 2011, they assumed

that they would uncover new clues of the people who had lived there, but what they found

was truly a revelation.

It was a bedroom.

Well, not in the sense that you or I would immediately recognize, but to the trained

eyes of a team of archaeologists, this cave was something that seems almost fundamental

to modern humans, and tucked away in a dark corner was something that made all of that

clear.

It was a mattress.

To be specific, it was a pile of compressed leaves that had been built up over tens of

thousands of years of use.

In fact, scientists believe that the bottom oldest layer dates back to at least 77,000

years, making it the oldest known mattress in the world.

And it was apparently large enough for an entire family to sleep on, something that was

essential for warmth and safety.

Sleep is essential to our survival.

Without rest, our bodies can't repair themselves.

A solid night of sleep can help us think better, remember more and perform better on tests.

It helps athletes move faster and have better reaction times, and it helps fight off depression

and anxiety.

Honestly, I don't know a single person who doesn't agree that sleep is the best thing ever.

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