Sleep is an essential part of our lives, but how, where and when we sleep can vary greatly from culture to culture. In this blog post, we take you on a little journey around the globe and take a look at some of these different sleeping habits.
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1. Japan
In Japan, there is a special sleeping practice called Inemuri. This is a short nap that is often taken in public or at work. While in many Western countries it might be considered unprofessional to sleep on the job, inemuri is often seen as a sign of diligence and commitment in Japan. It shows that someone is working so hard that he or she needs a short rest break right on the spot. In addition, instead of sleeping in a bed, it used to be customary to sleep on a futon, which was laid out on the floor in the living room at night and stowed away again in the morning. This tradition is still practised by many Japanese today, with around half of the Japanese still sleeping on futons.
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2. Spain
In many southern European countries, such as Spain, Italy and Greece, the siesta is an integral part of the daily routine. This short break in the early afternoon serves to bridge the hot midday period and give the body a rest. Originally, the siesta arose in warm regions to avoid having to work during the hottest hours of the day. Nowadays, the siesta is less common in many countries, but it is still a recognized and valued tradition.
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3. Central and South America
In many countries in Central and South America, especially in rural areas, sleeping in hammocks is widespread. This tradition, which originated with the indigenous population, is still widespread today. Hammocks not only offer a comfortable and relaxing place to sleep, but are also particularly practical in warm, tropical climates as they provide good ventilation and protect against ground pests.
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4. North America and Europe
In most Western countries, such as the USA, Germany and the UK, monophasic sleep is the most common. This means that people usually have an uninterrupted sleep duration of 7 to 8 hours per night. This sleep habit has become established in Western industrialized countries due to their adaptation to fixed working hours and modern lifestyles.
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5. India
In many parts of India, sleep is more flexible, with family members often sharing a room or even a bed. Especially in rural areas, people often sleep on mattresses, mats or directly on the floor. This sleeping culture promotes a sense of community and close cohesion within the family. During the hot summer months, people often sleep outside on terraces or roofs, where the cool night air ensures pleasant temperatures.
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6. Africa
In many African cultures, sleep is more closely linked to the natural circadian rhythm. In rural areas, the day begins at sunrise and people retire as soon as the sun goes down. As electric light is often less common in rural areas, the sleep rhythm is closely linked to the natural alternation of day and night. Shared sleeping is also widespread: Family members often share sleeping areas, with less emphasis on privacy.
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7. Scandinavia
In countries such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark, there is a particularly interesting custom when it comes to infant sleep: many parents let their children sleep outside in the baby carriage even in cold weather. It is believed that the fresh air improves children’s sleep and makes them less susceptible to illness. This faith in the health benefits of nature and fresh air extends to the everyday lives of adults, where outdoor activities and an awareness of healthy sleeping environments are widespread.
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Conclusion: Sleep is a reflection of culture
Sleep is universal, but how and where people sleep is strongly influenced by their culture. While some cultures make sleep more flexible and more integrated into everyday life, in others it is a very private and compartmentalized part of life. This diversity shows us that there is no universally “right” or “wrong” way to sleep. Each culture offers its own unique approaches to overcoming the challenges of everyday life.
In the end, what matters most is that we get enough rest to stay physically and mentally healthy – whether in a hammock, a king-size bed or a short inemuri in the office.