One thing all humans have in common is the innate need for sleep. It’s something we share regardless of gender, age, culture, and geography. And yet, there are still many cultural differences around the way we all sleep.
Some countries pause for naps, both indoors and outdoors. Some adjust sleep schedules due to prayer. Some struggle with geographical implications that disrupt circadian rhythms. And some sleep in beds, in hammocks, or on mats, etc.
Global sleep habits reveal unique aspects of each culture’s values and lifestyle. Let’s explore traditions, attitudes, and geographic factors that affect how different people sleep.
Unique Global Sleep Traditions
In some countries, napping is a standard part of the day, no matter your age. The “siesta” goes back thousands of years and refers to a nap or mid-day rest. While this word has Spanish origins, siestas originated in Italy by ancient Romans. There they were known as “riposo.” These mid-day naps occurred because workers needed respite from the hot afternoon temperatures. This was also common throughout the Mediterranean and Latin America.
Fast-forward to today: This unique sleeping tradition is now not as common in Spain. Having a two-hour siesta in the afternoon means work hours extend two hours later. For some, this greatly interferes with family life. However, other countries, like Japan, still delight in their midday naps.
The Japanese tradition is called “inemuri,” or “sleeping on duty.” It’s considered a sign of hard work and diligence. The Japanese have practiced inemuri for at least 1,000 years. These naps can occur in the workplace, but also in many public spaces. Almost half of Japanese adults get less than six hours of shuteye per night. This likely plays into the persistence of this unique sleep tradition.
Al fresco naps are traditional in Scandinavian countries, like Norway and Sweden. In this practice, babies—including infants—sleep outside in strollers. Even in frigid temperatures around zero degrees. These placements could be outside of homes, daycares, shops, and more. The naps typically last between 1.5 to 3 hours. They believe the fresh air keeps the children healthy and allows them to sleep better and longer.
Cultural Attitudes Toward Sleep
Sleep habits fluctuate from culture to culture, including the duration of sleep. Japanese citizens sleep less at night, and they’re early risers because of their focus on work. They prioritize sleep through napping and adhering to soothing bedtime routines.
Americans go to bed on the earlier side, then rise early. Work-centric attitudes in the U.S. encourage people to prioritize work over sleep. Many people feel pressure to perform at a high level. Unfortunately, this can lead to neglecting their personal health and good sleep habits.
In Europe, there is more focus on work-life balance. Their culture emphasizes the importance of leisure and personal fulfillment. Northern Europe has the most people getting the recommended amount of sleep.
Singapore and Spain have the latest bedtimes, but they also tend to sleep in more.
Religious Impact on Sleep
Religion also contributes to people’s sleep habits. Over one billion Muslims fast each year during Ramadan. This is a holy month meant for fasting, reflection, and prayer. However, fasting from dawn to dusk can encroach upon sleep. Bedtimes shift later into the night, and eating late can cause sleep disturbances.
How Geography Influences Sleep
Exposure to light (or lack thereof) has a huge influence on your circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes an organism experiences over a 24 hour period. Food intake, stress, physical activity, social environment, and temperature also affect circadian rhythms.
In humans, nearly every tissue and organ has its own circadian rhythm. They are collectively tuned to the cycle of day and night. Click here to read more about circadian rhythms.
When the sun goes down, the body releases hormones to signal that bedtime is near. Experiencing darkness at the correct time is necessary for maintaining proper sleep cycles. The circadian rhythm is thrown off when there is a period of continuous light. This obviously affects sleeping patterns.
Some locations experience The Midnight Sun. This is when the sun never sets, and it never gets dark during the summer. During these times, heavy, light-canceling curtains and sleep masks are necessary. (This principle also holds true in areas where light pollution or constant light are an issue.)
Other locales experience “polar nights.” In this situation, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for long stretches of time. Here, people use artificial light to mimic daylight. This is how they maintain a proper circadian rhythm.
Sleeping Arrangements and Bed Types Across Cultures
Where you sleep, what you sleep on, and who you sleep with. These choices vary across the world. Cultures differ in sleeping environments, arrangements, and segments. For instance, in the Western world, people tend to sleep alone in a dark, quiet rooms and prefer cozy bedding.
In the United States, about 75% of people allow pets to sleep in their beds. While this offers a level of comfort and security, it can also lead to sleep disruption.
The practice of co-sleeping—parents sleeping together with their children—varies across cultures. While this is less common with Americans, it is quite common in the non-Western world. Many believe it enhances the bond between mother and baby. Some argue it can even improves sleep quality and body regulation for baby.
In Central and South America, hammock sleeping is a widespread tradition. Hammocks provide comfort and practicality in these warm, tropical climates.
In Japan, many people sleep on thin mattresses placed directly on the floor. They feel it promotes better posture.
In Tibet, monks practice dream yoga. This unique form of meditation blurs the line between wakefulness and sleep.
What We Can Learn from the Way the World Sleeps
The world is a big and diverse place. Different sleep traditions reflect the brand range of cultural values and societal norms. Learning about the ways other people sleep can even help you in your own life. You may find it beneficial to introduce elements of other sleep habits into your routine. After all, what’s important for everyone is getting adequate, restful sleep.