On the Sleeping Arrangements of the Monks

“The monks should sleep in separate beds” (22:1). When I first read this in Benedict’s Rule many years ago, I laughed. Of course everyone should have their own beds! This seems like a no-brainer. A group of single-gender people sleeping under one roof should be equipped with provisions suitable for a celibate life.

But then I met sisters in the monastery for whom sleeping in bed with siblings as children was the norm. Oh. And this semester at school I heard of five international students who arrived with no bedding arrangements and therefore they slept on the floor. This was the norm for family life in the 6th century as well. Sharing beds, sleeping on floors. So, providing separate beds was an innovative concept for those who were new to monastic life.

Next, Benedict instructs that the beds are assigned so that the ages of the various monks are interspersed (v. 7) – i.e., not all the young monks are together, and not all the older monks are together. That makes good sense to me. I recall when my family went camping, and we were all in the same tent. There was lots of giggling when we went to bed. My parents would call to us that they didn’t want to hear any more noise and we were to go to sleep. Snickers here and there drew more attention before the folks called in another time to quiet down. Benedict sees this temptation. So, a younger person is not able to whisper or chat with a fellow younger person if he has to call over and disturb the older person in between them.

Benedict also understands that some people don’t wake up as joyfully and well-rested as others (v. 6). Those who need extra motivation to begin their day are mixed with those who rise ready to go. Everyone receives what they need to get to prayer upon rising.

For me, Benedict’s advice prompts self-examination. What should I do to sleep adequately and get up ready to go? How can I ensure my night is restful? What distractions should I avoid? What preparations will help me begin the day in the right frame of mind? Do I need to set an alarm? Or three? Do I need the coffeemaker to prepare my morning joe so that I smell it before I taste it? Do I need someone to jolt me awake?

Finally, Benedict says to keep a light burning throughout the night (v. 4). He thought of those who need to get up in the middle of the night to take care of their needs. Tripping over another’s bed is painful and disruptive. Safety in the night and security while sleeping are of utmost importance to restful sleep and assist us in awakening joyfully to face the new day. 

In short, Benedict’s wisdom helps me examine each part of my day, even the parts when I’m dead asleep and not paying attention to anything.