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The flow of Spanish life has long been guided by the weather, the most obvious example being the daily siesta. While not as widespread as old, the early afternoon nap can still be a necessary response to the torpor-inducing heat of summer. But what really is a siesta? Is it specific to Spain? Is there medical research to support that siestas are actually beneficial to your health?
What is a Siesta?
The name siesta is derived from the Latin: hora sexta, meaning the sixth hour. Traditionally, the day’s hours began at dawn, so the sixth hour would be noon – the perfect time for a nap.
Aside from Spain, siestas are common in: Greece, Italy, The Philippines, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador and Nigeria. What do these places have in common? For the most part, siestas occur in hot climates. This gives people a chance to sleep through the hottest of the sun’s rays, which typically occur midday. In fact, although not all tropical climates sleep during the hottest part of the day, they all get out of the sun somehow. This inspired the saying that only “mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun” – as everyone else in tropical climates is either sleeping or resting indoors.
That being said, the West has considered the idea of the siesta but instead being known as the 'power nap'. This is a compressed version of a siesta, to get the most effective sleep possible while fighting sleep deprivation.
The Siesta Culture
The siesta is a representation of the slower pace of life. The conscious effort to take a break, stop and reflect. Often, in places where siestas are common, churches, shops and public buildings close during the siesta hours (typically 2pm - 4pm). The siesta is for resting, whether it be physical or mental.
However, the siesta is becoming less of a cultural tradition. In recent years, Spain ratified new laws that allowed stores to stay open 25% longer each week. The implication is that stores would then stay open for the mid-day period usually allotted to siestas. The move was in an effort to fight effects of the ongoing financial crisis by creating more commerce, but this comes at the expense of naps.
The Spanish are adamant that their siestas continue to be ingrained in their culture. In 2010, the National Association of Friends of the Siesta held the first siesta championship in Madrid. The goal of this was to revive interest on the tradition. The competition was judged on sleeping as many of the allotted 20 minutes as possible, the original sleeping positions, the loudest snore and the best outfit. Unfortunately this contest only continued for another 3 years.
The Benefits of Siestas to your Health
It goes without saying that siestas are wonderful for relaxation and encourage a slower pace of life. But are they actually good for your health?
There have been many big studies on siestas, or more specifically the power of taking naps. Harvard's health letter explains it perfectly, uncovering that so long as the naps are short (20 - 30 minute), they can be beneficial to your focus and curing the afternoon drowsiness that affects the most of us on a busy weekday.
Should we Siesta?
If you're feeling tired and run down, a nap is probably not a good idea. It's important to get enough sleep at night and use those hours effectively. Furthermore what you eat can effect how tired you are, so perhaps avoid heavy carbohydrates at lunch time.
However, if your nap is by choice, a little sleep can help boost your mental and physical coordination, allowing you to focus better and longer. The trick is not to nap for too long.
