Everyone needs to sleep. But traditions associated with sleep can vary greatly across cultures, with many different countries having different approaches to sleep. It’s very interesting to see how different areas of the world can compare when it comes to rest.
Here in the United States, sleep we generally sleep through the night, and sleep is not a very eventful process. However, sometimes the amount of sleep you get can almost seem to be a competition. In many of my classes, I’ve heard people comparing the amount of sleep they got the previous night, and it seems a bit competitive, as people brag about how few hours they slept due to classwork or sports.
One country that takes a different approach to sleep is Spain. They’re famous for the siesta, or afternoon nap. This generally takes place from 2-5 pm after lunch. Some businesses will shut down at this time to give employees a short break for the siesta.
Spain may be the most well-known area for this type of nap, but many other countries in the Mediterranean also have afternoon naps that are similar. For example, Italy has the “riposo,” also an afternoon rest where many businesses will shut down. This practice allows people to stay inside and cool down during the hottest hours of the day. It has been shown to be beneficial, as many Mediterranean adults have higher activity levels and a lower risk of heart disease as a result.
Japan also has an interesting approach to naps. They have naps called “inemuri,” which translates to “being present while asleep.” Japan is one of the most sleep-deprived countries in the world, and so inemuri are quick naps that occur whenever people have the chance. This might occur on the subway or during a study break. The tiredness that leads to the naps is seen as a sign of hard work.
A much different approach to sleep is seen in Scandinavian countries, where parents often leave their babies to sleep outside, even in freezing temperatures. Parents believe that when their children sleep outside, they sleep deeper, are exposed to fewer germs, and can acclimate to the climate. Parents will wrap babies in warm clothing and potentially have thermometers attached to their strollers, but this practice is fairly normal.
This custom would be met with shock in America, where it would seem more like child cruelty. And there are concerns that this practice may be dangerous for children, who are more susceptible to hypothermia. However, the tradition still appears to be common enough, showing a fascinating cultural difference.
Clearly, there are many different approaches to sleep, and these countries are only the tip of the iceberg. Although everyone needs sleep, not everyone views it in the same way. It’s fascinating to see the cultural differences in even the smallest things. So the next time you travel, keep an eye out to see if you can spot any different attitudes towards sleep!