D&D General Lifestyle, Resting, and Survival

[Merlecory]

Do rich people actually get better rest than middle class people or poor people? I feel like the underlying hypothesis is problematic, to say the least.

Depending on the time in history, I would say yes. I think there would be a pretty significant difference in how rested someone is when they have slept in their own bed vs when an entire family shared a bed (if they had a bed at all). Also, much of human history has been shaped by food insecurity. Someone who was living a "poor" lifestyle might have to eat meals with limited nutritional value (very watery soup with few nutrients, bread made with a significant amount of saw dust as a cheap filler). "Squalid" and "Wretched" might be skipping meals in addition to those challenges.

The 2014 PHB says that 1 day's rations cost 5 sp. Based on Xeviat's chart in the OP, that is a the same cost as a "Comfortable" lifestyle.

This might not be the right rule for every table, but some (like me) are interested in a world that is far harsher on its denizens than what I think 5e normally expects. This rule would be a way to work towards enabling that play style.

 

[MGibster]

Do rich people actually get better rest than middle class people or poor people? I feel like the underlying hypothesis is problematic, to say the least.

It's always difficult to compare the wealth of modern people to those living in a completely different economy centuries ago. It's even harder for a fantasy setting I would think. But no matter what time period we're talking about, being poor is stressful as they often run into problems like not being able to heat their home when its cold, not having enough to eat, not having proper attire for the weather, working difficult jobs for little pay, etc., etc. This kind of stress weighs on you and can make it difficult to get to sleep.

 

[Xeviat]

Do rich people actually get better rest than middle class people or poor people? I feel like the underlying hypothesis is problematic, to say the least.

I got better rest when I got a mattress. And when my hotel was next to the train line, I hardly got any sleep and didn't rest well. It's hard to rest with a neon light in your window and sirens blaring; rich people don't deal with that.

Also it's very easy to rest well when you're richer than the pope.

 

[Stormonu]

Eh, at best I'd treat it like a Masterwork bonus or Bardic Inspiration. Maybe a d4 to something - temp hp, +1d4 bonus to one skill roll or save.