Napping Around The World

Are you a napper? Do you take naps in the afternoon? In the USA, it is less common, but in other cultures it is often a strict requirement in schools and workplaces that everybody take a nap after lunch. We will take a look at the traditions of several countries and the benefits of napping. Maybe the USA will be able to adopt this tradition in the future!

Japan

In Japan, napping in the office is culturally accepted. In fact it is a sign of diligence because workers are working to exhaustion. The word for this is "inemuri" meaning sleeping on duty. It is also prevalent to sleep in public such as on the commuter train. Statistics show that 65% of Japanese workers nap. One reason for this might be that Japanese people sleep very little at home due to working extra hours.

Spain

Alberto Di Lolli / AP

In Spain, the midday nap is known as siesta. Businesses often close for several hours in the midday to accommodate for this midday rest. The siesta can include eating with friends and family as well as a nap. That's why a lot of people in Spain often work until the late evening.

China

In China's primary schools, it is a strict requirement for children to nap in the afternoon. Some schools even have designated nap rooms where children must sleep for 50 minutes in quilts and pillows. If children are found awake, they may be punished by the teachers. This cultural tradition may be derived from the ying yang philosophy. Napping helps restore the body's balance.

Italy

Dave Walsh / Via sleep.org

In Italy, the midday rest is known as the riposo. The riposo may begin anytime between noon and 1:30pm and run until 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Businesses shut down, and public venues like museums and churches lock their doors so their employees can go home for a leisurely lunch and a snooze.

India

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In India, it often gets really hot after lunch. People working on the farms or other labor jobs can remain mentally strong to continue working until the late evening. You may find bustling Indian cities such as Mumbai or Kolkata very silent at 2pm as people go take their 30 minute snooze.

The Benefits of Napping

A 20-30 minutes nap in the afternoon can boost awareness and increase productivity in the workplace. A study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%. It can also improve your learning and working memory. It also improves your mood. Maybe next time, consider taking a midday snooze, you might find the effects revitalizing!