Have you ever wondered the history and cultural context of the Spanish tradition of an afternoon siesta?

A siesta is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleeping in the afternoon is a common tradition in some countries, particularly those closer to the tropics where the weather is warm. Siesta is said to have originated in the Mediterranean region, particularly from Spain. In fact the word itself means ‘nap’ in Spanish, originally from the Latin word ‘hora sexta’ which means the sixth hour counting from dawn, which translates to a midday rest.

But this concept of afternoon rest isn’t just seen in Spain. In fact countries like India, Phillippines, Italy, Greece, Croatia still practice this culture of an afternoon nap. Historically, siestas were taken by agricultural workers or farm workers during the hottest hours of the day as not only a respite from the heat but also a break in routine. Farm workers tend to get up really early to take care of their livestock which meant taking an afternoon break was a way to relax. Siestas are also associated with a heavy intake of a mid-day meal. Taking a long lunch break including a nap is common in a number of mediterranean, tropical, and subtropical countries.Over time, different cultures have tweaked this napping habit to suit their preferences

Siesta in Italy

Siesta is also common in Italy, where it is called riposo in Northern Italy and pennichellaor pisolino in Southern Italy. It is typically done between 12.30pm to around 2.30pm. Many museums, churches and shops close during midday so that shop owners can go home for lunch and sometimes a nap during the day’s hottest hours.

Inemuri in Japan

In Japanese corporate culture, this concept of an afternoon nap is called inemuri, or ‘sleeping while present.’ Workers in Japan can literally doze off in a meeting, at a restaurant or on the subway and get credit for not technically sleeping since they are not tucked away in bed. Inemuri has been practiced in Japan for at least 1,000 years, and it is not restricted to the workplace. People may nap in department stores, cafes, restaurants or even a snug spot on a busy city sidewalk.

Jhapakee in India

In India, this concept of napping in the afternoon is very common among day laborers and the working community. Most people don’t have access to a bed or the luxury of going back home to sleep. So they sleep where ever they find a spot to rest – on the road along the sidewalk, under the shade of a tree, in autos and taxies and even in parks. Many shop keepers will pull the shutters down and sleep inside the shop, indicating that they are not open for business.

Modern day interpretation of a siesta

In modern Spain of today, the midday nap during the working week has largely been abandoned among the adult working population. According to a 2009 survey, 16.2% of Spaniards polled claimed to take a nap daily, whereas 22% did so only sometimes, 3.2 % did it only on the weekends and the remainder, 58.6% never. These days, weekends are usually the only time when most might indulge in a quick post-lunch nap.

There appears to be a slight modern take on the afternoon siesta – sometimes called a power nap, a term coined by Cornell University social psychologist James Maas. There is much in terms of research that says getting a power nap improves learning and memory, prevents stress, boosts mood and creativity, and rejuvenates the brain. In fact, even in Spain, new ways of enjoying a quick siesta are being pioneered. Siesta & Go, Spain’s first nap café, opened in Madrid in 2017. The café is in Madrid’s business district and attracts busy city workers eager for a quick nap but who can’t afford to waste time going all the way home for a rest. Its slogan is, ‘Your place of rest, far from home.’

While it might not be the best lifestyle fit for some, napping appears to improves mood and performance and is a perfect way to tackle the afternoon slump.

Do you like to sleep in the afternoon? take a siesta perhaps or even a quick power nap? We would love to know how you get over that afternoon slump and recharge.

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