Unique Sleep Rituals From Different Cultures

Countries with hotter climates often engage in what is known in Spanish as a siesta—a short afternoon nap, typically taken after lunch (and usually a pretty big lunch, too). A siesta typically occurs during the hottest time of day, which gives the nappers protection from the overexertion and sun damage that can occur during extreme heat exposure - something that can even be fatal in cases such as heatstroke, skin cancer, or a heart attack.

Areas well immersed in siesta culture often shut businesses and schools during the afternoon so the workers and children can rest, meaning that they do not partake in the traditional 9-5 working life that Brits do.

In most countries, being caught sleeping on the job would be a sackable offence - but in Japan, it is actually encouraged. Known as "Inemuri" - or "I am present while sleeping" in English - the practice of sleeping at your desk is viewed in Japanese culture as a sign of hard work and persistence.

However, be warned - these naps are short in duration, and are often only accepted in more esteemed white collar positions further up the ladder. So if you're starting a new job in Japan, don't expect to get a proper snooze in - at least, not without permission from the boss!

The !Kung people of Botswana do not partake in the concept of bedtime and daytime. Instead, the !Kung have a flexible attitude towards sleep with no set time or duration. Instead, they simply go to sleep when their body feels the need to rest.

There are certainly some benefits to this attitude - sleeping when you feel sleepy will avoid the frustration of trying to prompt your body to sleep on a rigid schedule, as is often the case with insomnia and other debilitating sleep disorders. Resting when required can help your body make the necessary cognitive and physical repair work it needs to support your energy needs during your waking life.

Germans are often stereotyped as hardworking people who prioritise efficiency over emotion - and this extends to the bedtime habits of many people in the country. 

The German sleeping approach, also known as "Doppelbett", involves a double bed with two mattresses, duvets, and sets of pillows. Although it's perhaps not as intimate or cutesy as cuddling up together, it certainly saves the pain of fighting for your share of the sheets!

An estimated 80% of pet owners in the USA permit their dogs and cats to share a bed with them - a practice that in many cultures, where dogs especially are sometimes considered outdoor animals, would be beyond belief.