7 Unbelievable Photos That Show Native American Life 100 Years Ago—And What They Teach Us About Sleep and Wellness Today

Have you ever wondered what life was like for Native Americans 100 years ago? Recently, I stumbled upon a breathtaking collection of photos taken by Edward Sheriff Curtis—who spent decades capturing the rich, vibrant culture of Native Americans before much of it vanished during the 20th century. These images are more than just snapshots; they’re a powerful window into a way of living that honored harmony, nature, and balance. And surprisingly, there’s a lot these old photos can teach us about modern sleep and wellness, topics we all care about if we want to wake up with energy and vitality.

First off, if you haven’t seen Curtis’s collection yet, I highly recommend checking out the article “Rare 1900s Photos Capture How Native Americans Lived 100 Years Ago” on Bored Panda. The images are hauntingly beautiful and full of stories that feel both distant and deeply relevant today. Here’s the link to dive in.

So, what’s sleep got to do with it? Great question!

When I looked closer at these photos and the stories behind them, one thing stood out: Native American cultures often held strong traditions around rest, night rituals, and the rhythm of life closely tied to the natural world. Unlike our modern hustle culture, their approach to #sleep wasn’t an afterthought. It was woven into their daily lives—respecting natural cycles, minimizing distractions, and prioritizing restorative rest.

Here’s why that matters:

• Nature as a guide for rest: Native Americans lived outdoors or in harmony with nature, which meant their sleep patterns were naturally aligned with sunrise and sunset. This is something modern science calls circadian rhythm—our body’s internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness.

• Mindful evening routines: Their rituals helped calm the mind and body, reducing stress before sleep. Contrast that with today’s screen-filled, overstimulated evenings that often lead to restless nights.

• Community and comfort: Rest wasn’t solitary but part of community life, fostering a sense of safety and belonging—both key to quality sleep.

Now, in 2025, we’re rediscovering these sleep fundamentals through science and wellness practices. But there’s a catch: modern challenges like snoring and sleep apnea get in the way for many of us, draining that precious energy we need for busy mornings.

That’s where solutions inspired by simplicity and personal care come in—like the innovation by Snorple. Their customizable anti-snoring mouthpiece is designed to gently reposition the jaw and stabilize the tongue, improving airflow for sound sleep without discomfort. What’s cool is it blends two proven methods (mandibular advancement and tongue stabilization) into one comfy device.

Here’s why I think it resonates with the wisdom from those old photos:

• It values customized comfort, much like how Native American sleep was personalized to the individual’s needs and environment.

• It supports natural breathing, key to restful sleep, much like how living close to nature promoted better night cycles.

• It’s made from hypoallergenic, latex-free materials and can be quickly customized with a simple microwave step—modern technology meeting mindful care.

If you’ve ever struggled with snoring or restless nights, getting a tool that respects your body’s natural rhythms can be game-changing. And with Snorple’s 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s a low-risk way to improve your sleep health and wake up energized.

So, what can we take away from these 100-year-old photos today?

1. Prioritize your natural sleep cycle: Align your bedtime with natural light cycles when possible.
2. Create calming bedtime rituals: Screen off, breathe deeply, and slow down.
3. Use smart, thoughtful tools: If snoring disrupts your rest, consider customizable solutions like Snorple’s mouthpiece.
4. Remember community: Even if you live alone, create a sleep sanctuary that feels safe and nurturing.

Looking at the past reminds us how connected well-being is to respecting the body, nature, and rhythm. So why not bring a bit of that wisdom into your modern routine? Start today, and watch your mornings glow with the energy you deserve.

Curious to learn more about the amazing blend of tradition, science, and innovation in sleep? You can explore how Snorple helps hundreds of thousands find that perfect night’s rest — because great mornings start with great nights.

What’s your go-to trick for a better night’s sleep? Have you tried any natural or tech solutions that made a difference? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your story!

Sweet dreams and brighter mornings ahead, my friends! 🌞