The Siesta has existed for thousands of years and was previously
regarded as a physical necessity rather than a luxury. While the traditional Mediterranean
style siesta can last for up to two hours to avoid the hottest part of the day,
there is actually a biological need for people in all climates to have a short
rest in the afternoon to revive energy levels.
The form of rest recommended for health and productivity benefits is a
short 10-20 minute nap, and not the 2 hour long siesta normally associated with
all Mediterranean countries, as enjoyable as that may be.
Research shows that the majority of people suffer from tiredness twice
in every 24 hour period. We are what's called Bi-phasic; we need two periods of
sleep; a long one at night and a shorter one during the day. The early
afternoon brings a drop in energy levels, not as severe as night time, but
sufficient to make it difficult to concentrate and think clearly.
By having a short nap we can help ourselves think more clearly, be more
productive, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Tiredness can also be a cause
of accidents. A short 10-20 minute nap is all that is needed to restore our
concentration, alertness and improve productivity for the afternoon.
The siesta rest has origins in Islamic Law and is written about in the
Koran. However the word siesta is
Spanish, originating from the Latin "Hora Sexto" meaning "the
sixth hour" (six hours from dawn is noon). Siesta means "midday rest.”
Although Spain is often considered as having invented the 'siesta' it's origins
go back much further in history within Islam.
Romans had a regular siesta; it was considered to be a physical
necessity rather than a luxury, but it is unlikely that they had a health
policy that included this, as was the case in Islam.
The Spanish have become known for their liking for a long two-hour
siesta, but this was introduced centuries ago to allow their farmers to rest
during the hottest part of the day. Consequently they work longer into the
evening. Traditionally in Spain the siesta can last up to two hours or more.
Firstly there will be a good lunch with friends or family, and then they will
rest. Although tradition would have them go to bed in pyjamas, these days any
sofa, bed or chair or shade will suffice and they may have a short nap as part
of the overall siesta. However, not all will have a sleep and the Spanish
siesta is more about taking a break away from the heat of midday sun.
Today, with modern equipment and most people working in air-conditioned offices,
there is not the same need for a long siesta, so the Spanish are now trying to
make less of it and adopt a working day schedule more in keeping with northern
Europe. However, this does not mean that they do not need a short rest. The
biological need for rest in the early afternoon applies to all people on all
continents.
Humans are mammals just as any cat, lion, cheetah, horse or dog and we
are all bi-phasic; we need more than one session of sleep within a twenty-four-hour
period. All other mammals nap, yet many humans, particularly in the British and
US cultures try to struggle through the natural tiredness that occurs about 8
hours after waking in the morning. By
having just a 10-20 minute nap as part of our lunch break we can restore our
energy levels for the afternoon and be far more productive and alert. The two-hour siesta is no longer seen as
necessary, but a 10-15 minute nap can do wonders for us all.
Weight
for me tomorrow. Paul
Paul Lambis is the author of “Where is Home?” – A journey of hilarious contrasts.
For more information on Paul Lambis, and to order his book online,
visit www.paul-lambis.com
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