Sleep Around The World
Get a glimpse of how different countries and cultures around the world view sleep.
Is there another country that aligns more with your sleep goals or personas?
Japan: The Power of Napping
Napping Culture: In Japan, short naps, known as “inemuri,” are common and accepted in public spaces like offices and public transportation. It’s seen as a sign of diligence and hard work rather than laziness.
Sleep Environment: Traditional Japanese homes often feature futons, which are rolled out on the floor at night and stored away during the day, making rooms multipurpose.
Sleep Rituals: Bathing before bed is a common practice, often in a hot spring bath (onsen) or a hot bath at home, to relax the body and promote better sleep.
Spain: The Siesta Tradition
Siesta: In Spain, the tradition of taking a midday nap, or "siesta," is well-known. This short nap, typically after lunch, helps people recharge and continue their day.
Late Nights: Spaniards often have late dinners and social activities, with bedtime sometimes occurring after midnight, reflecting a cultural emphasis on socializing and late-night life.
Sweden: The Importance of Sleep Hygiene
Sleep Hygiene: Swedes place a high value on sleep hygiene and environment. They often use blackout curtains to ensure dark, restful sleep and maintain a cool bedroom temperature.
Nap Time for Kids: For children, naptime is an important part of the daily routine, and it's common for kids to nap during the day until they are around 5 years old.
India: The Role of Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Practices: In India, Ayurvedic practices influence sleep habits. According to Ayurveda, sleep should align with the natural rhythms of the day and night. Bedtimes are often aligned with sunset, and a balanced diet is believed to support good sleep.
Bedtime Rituals: Traditional practices include the use of herbal remedies and oils to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
China: Early to Bed, Early to Rise
Early Bedtimes: In many parts of China, it is common to go to bed early and rise early. This practice is often linked to traditional values and a structured daily routine.
Traditional Beliefs: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes the balance of the body’s “Qi” (energy) and encourages sleep practices that align with the body's natural rhythms and seasonal changes.
Italy: Late Meals and Flexible Sleep Patterns
Late Meals: Italians typically have dinner later in the evening, often around 8 or 9 PM. This can affect sleep patterns, as bedtime is often pushed later.
Flexible Sleep Patterns: Italians may take advantage of flexible sleep patterns, including short naps or rest periods during the day.
Mexico: The Emphasis on Family and Social Time
Family Time: In Mexico, family and social gatherings play a significant role, and evenings are often spent with extended family, sometimes extending into the late hours.
Rest and Relaxation: There’s an emphasis on rest and relaxation as part of the daily routine, with some families incorporating traditional herbal remedies to promote better sleep.
France: The Art of Relaxation
Relaxation Practices: French culture places a strong emphasis on relaxation before bedtime. The evening meal is often a time for unwinding, and there’s a focus on enjoying a leisurely dinner.
Bedtime Rituals: The French often avoid stimulating activities before bed and prioritize creating a calm and serene environment for sleep.
Middle Eastern Countries: The Importance of Privacy and Rest
Privacy: In many Middle Eastern cultures, privacy and personal space are highly valued, which extends to sleeping arrangements. Separate sleeping areas for men and women are common in traditional settings.
Night Prayers: Evening prayers (Isha) are an important part of the daily routine, and there’s a focus on creating a peaceful and respectful environment for rest.
South Korea: The Emphasis on Sleep Quality
Sleep Quality: In South Korea, there is a strong emphasis on sleep quality and health. Traditional Korean homes may include heated floors (ondol) for a comfortable sleeping environment.
Nap Culture: Similar to Japan, taking naps during the day is common, and many people use nap rooms at work or school.