To be precise your day ends after you finally have dinner and go back to bed. Wake up at six in the morning and start with the hustle and bustle of the day. What about taking a break in between? Having a busy schedule you fall prey to fatigue and tiredness. Sometimes your brain even stops thinking as efficiently as you could think in the morning with a fresh feel. This is when you need a siesta. A power nap or the so-called siesta. But what does siesta mean? And how long is a siesta? Do you know about the siesta origin? You will get to know about all of these as you continue reading the article.
1. What is the Siesta origin?
The term Siesta is a Spanish word, and more accurately it has been a tradition of Spain for many years. The siesta is a pleasant and healing midday nap taken after lunch and is a cliche directly tied with Spain. Folks who worked in agriculture used to take naps during the hottest hours of the day. Until the mid-twentieth century, numerous Spaniards labored in agricultural jobs when the siesta was widespread. It was critical to take a post-lunch break to escape the searing noon sun. (See How Do You Say 12:30 In Spanish?)
2. What does Siesta mean?
The name siesta derives from the Latin hora sexta, or sixth hour, which is approximately equivalent to a mid-day break when counting from sunrise. (See Why reading makes you sleepy?)
3. How long is a Siesta?
It lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. (See How do fish sleep with their eyes open?)
4. Is Siesta still practiced in Spain today?
The tradition that Spain made of siesta is rarely followed nowadays by people. Most Spaniards rarely get an opportunity to take this replenishing nap while almost 60% of the Spaniards never had a siesta. Weekends remain the only time when you would get some time at home for a nap.
Though the majority of Spain has abandoned traditional siesta, there are still a few localities where it is openly practiced. Inhabitants of Ador, neighboring Valencia, have had the constitutional entitlement to an afternoon siesta somewhere around 2 and 5 p.m., as shops are closed and ambient noises should be reduced to a minimum, according to local rules. (See Is sleeping late bad for health?)
5. Is Siesta practiced outside Spain?
So what does siesta mean outside Spain and is it a must thing? Well, no. A three-hour break mostly in the afternoon, for example, is incompatible with western timetables because people are hired for 9 to 5 work. Even though napping boosts productivity, most employers don’t allow extensive pauses during the workday. Furthermore, naps can lead to a decrease in efficiency the next day. It’s because your body clock has shifted. Your body prefers to catch up on sleep in the day instead of at night. While there is a shift in your sleep pattern, your waking time may have shifted as well. (See What Do Botanists Do?)
6. What are the Effects of Siesta?
It improves the overall energy levels. It helps you to feel extra efficient throughout the day. If you are unable to snooze in the afternoon, alter the schedule or tasks such that the more difficult ones are accomplished when you’re at your most energetic period.
A three-hour interval should never be used solely for resting, as this will affect your bedtime. It is far better to take smaller but perhaps more regular breaks. Because when you sleep for an extended period, your body is still in repose and relaxed mode, and you may face the risk of losing your productivity. (See How Do We Get Sick?)
5. Which Countries are practicing Siesta?
What does siesta mean in other countries? Spain is fortunately not the only place across the globe following the tradition of Siesta. There had been other places too, like:
- Italian Riposo: In the modern days, Italy follows the rhythm of having Riposo. This started mainly because a few or more businesses close early in the morning or sometimes in the late afternoon hours. Italians, like people in foreign countries, certainly benefit from napping on a routine basis. Midday naps were linked to a decent diet, increased activity patterns, and smoother aging among older Mediterranean seniors, including Italians, according to one research. (See The 3 most common sleep position and their health effects)
- Scandinavian Winter Nap: Norway, Denmark, and Finland have mastered the art of napping by utilizing the strength of their freezing winters. Even in sub-zero conditions, it is customary for parents to bring their newborns and toddlers out for a routine nap in such countries.
- Japanese Inemuri: Inemuri is distinct from siesta and riposo, which occur in the early afternoon. The goal of inemuri is just to slumber for a few moments anytime and anywhere you can. Individuals dozing mostly in parks, somewhat on the metro, at the library, or even in their cubicles are familiar sights in Japan. Inemuri appeared to have positive outcomes for those experienced by people who have taken siestas or riposos in Japan. Napping mixed with workouts has been shown to improve overnight sleeping patterns and psychological health in the aged Japanese.
Although napping out in the winter may seem weird for Americans, Nordic parents assume that it aids young kids to adjust to the severe temperature. Families often assume that the chilly air encourages restful sleep because youngsters take much longer naps outside than they do indoors. (See 13 Best Types of Pillows to Get Comfortable With)
So, today you learned about what does siesta mean along with which other countries practice siesta. Siesta lets you and your brain rest to be more productive. Spread this information among your friends and family who were taking an afternoon nap regularly. (See List of Field of Study Examples)
