A good night's sleep is essential for your health and well-being. But your sleeping habits may vary, depending on where you were born.
For example, you have a launch break in Spain, take a nap, and go back to work. That sounds too good to be true, but that's all part of Spanish heritage.
Just like we have various traditions and eat similar yet different foods, our sleeping habits depend on our culture. So, let's check out how people's sleeping habits vary from one country to another.
Mexico
Having a quick nap in your hammock is something most of us dream of doing during our perfect vacations.
Since Mexico is near the ocean, and the climate is warm all year round, many use hammocks to get some rest. It's just as common as sleeping in your bed.
Spain
It's time for a siesta! No, that is not a trendy new drink or party of the year.
People in Spain usually work from 9 am to 1:30 pm. Then, it is time for lunch and a power nap.
Then, they go back to work around 4 pm and leave their offices at 8 pm. It doesn't sound bad, and let's be honest: those power naps are sometimes a necessity, not a luxury.
United Kingdom
Over 1/3 of Britons sleep naked, The National Sleep Foundation revealed.
It is healthy to let your privates out to breathe, so perhaps you should give it a try.
Guatemala
Out of all sleeping habits from around the globe, this might be the most helpful.
Mayan tradition in Guatemala suggests that you should sleep with Worry Dolls underneath your pillow if you're feeling anxious.
These dolls will take away your stresses, and you'll wake up as good as new. Talk about the power of positive thinking!
Bali
If you are truly stressed out, then you might be ready to move to Bali or Indonesia.
When people from the island of Bali in Indonesia are afraid, they fall asleep, or at least, that's what they're supposed to do.
This is fear sleep or todoist poeles, and you will not find it outside these areas. We cannot pretend to understand, but it sounds intriguing.
Japan
Work hard, nap harder!
Japanese work culture is amazing, but they are only humans, and they, too, need to catch up on their sleep.
In Japan, many choose to take quick naps at work, while others choose less private places, like subways.
It's not uncommon, though we aren't sure how our bosses would react if someone suggested work naps.
Norway
If you see a stroller and no adult in sight, don't worry. People in Norway believe that it is important for babies to catch fresh air, so they will get some coffee and chat while their babies are sleeping outside.
It sounds unsafe, but Norway is one of the safest countries, so people are more relaxed than in the rest of the world. Fresh air does help with a child's immunity, and we can all agree on that.
United States
Over 70% of pet owners sleep with their pets in the United States.
Many studies suggest that sleeping with a pet helps relieve stress. However, some suggest that it is not the most hygienic thing in the world.
We love our pets, and they are part of the family. So, would you kick your family member from the family bed?
Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, rooms don't have titles as we know them. All rooms are multipurpose, so you get to sleep wherever you find the place.
In the morning, you make your bed, and this is nothing strange. Most major cities have tiny apartments, and many are forced to sleep in much worse conditions, like with your toilet next to your head.
Co-sleeping And Bedtime Traditions
Co-sleeping was widely spread until the 19th century. Though it is no longer in practice in the US or the UK, it is still very much practiced in some countries in Asia or some parts of Africa.
This doesn't mean that all parents in the US sleep separately from their children. It merely implies that the majority is not into it.
Just like adults have their bedtime traditions, so do children.
Bedtime For Kids In Various Countries
One might think that all children go to bed at the same time. However, things vary, depending on the country's customs.
In the Netherlands, bedtime for infants and toddlers is between 6:30 pm and 7 pm.
New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom agree that the best time for a child to sleep is between 7 and 8 pm.
Indonesia, Canada, the Philippines, United States, Thailand, China have one thing in common: most children go to bed between 8 and 9 pm.
Children in Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia allow their children to go to sleep one hour later, between 9 and 10 pm.
Finally, people in South Korea, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong believe that the proper bedtime for children is between 10 and 10:30 pm.
So, what do you think? Where do you fit in and which of these traditions, sleeping habits, do you think is the strangest, and which one do you think more people worldwide should practice?
