[RetroTechie]

People were smaller on average. But also, I've read it wasn't uncommon to sleep with legs/knees pulled up somewhat (maybe using pillows?). And that the changed bloodflow due to non-horizontal sleeping position (legs above head) contributed to higher prevalence of brain strokes.

Don't know if the latter is true. But doesn't seem too implausible - life back then was generally less healthy & more dangerous.