Head coverings worn during sleep were a common sight throughout history, particularly amongst men. These caps, crafted from various materials like linen or cotton, served multiple practical purposes for those who donned them during the night.
The use of such headwear offered warmth, especially in drafty, poorly heated homes. Retaining body heat helped individuals sleep more comfortably. Furthermore, it protected hairstyles, particularly elaborate wigs or carefully styled hair, from becoming disheveled during sleep. Some believed it even aided in preventing colds and other illnesses by keeping the head warm. The practice was rooted in practicality and notions of hygiene prevalent in past eras.