World's oldest beds contained mosquito repellents

London, Dec 9 (ANI): World's 'oldest beds', which dates back to 77,000 years, were designed to naturally fend off insects, a new study has revealed.

Scientists unearthed early proof of bedding made from compacted stems and leaves at a rock shelter in South Africa.

At least three different layers at the Sibudu site contained bed remains, left by people who slept there between 38,000 and 77,000 years ago - and as well as providing a place to sleep, the leaves contained insecticide chemicals that would have kept mosquitoes at bay, the Daily Mail reported.

The oldest of the sleeping mats was particularly well preserved, consisting of fossilised sedge stems and leaves covered by a paper-thin leaf layer.

"The selection of these leaves for the construction of bedding suggests that the early inhabitants of Sibudu had an intimate knowledge of the plants surrounding the shelter, and were aware of their medicinal uses," said team leader Professor Lyn Wadley, from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

The researchers also pointed out that the compacted plant layers might also have been used as work surfaces.

It also showed that after around 73,000 years ago, the inhabitants frequently burned their bedding after use.

"They lit the used bedding on fire, possibly as a way to remove pests," said co-author Dr Christopher Miller, from the University of Tubingen in Germany.

"This would have prepared the site for future occupation and represents a novel use of fire for the maintenance of an occupation site," he added.

The study has been published in the journal Science. (ANI)