To Nap or Not to Nap: Debunking the Siesta Debate

The siesta, a short nap taken in the middle of the day, is a common tradition in many cultures around the world. While some argue that it provides numerous benefits, others oppose this idea, questioning if it leads to less productivity. An advantage of taking a siesta is that it can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being by allowing people to recharge their energy. A quick nap can enhance cognitive function in order to recharge the brain and increase alertness. However, a negative aspect of a siesta is that it may disrupt one’s sleep schedule and can lead to other sleep-related problems.

According to Matthew Walker, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, the hippocampus can greatly benefit from a nap. An hour’s nap can dramatically boost and restore your brain power and can help clear the brain’s short-term memory storage and make room for new information.

Despite the benefits, some employers and countries have departed from the siesta tradition due to concerns about productivity. In fact, some businesses implement policies that discourage or ban napping during work. On the other hand, many recognize the benefits of being well-rested and have created designated spaces for employees to recharge. It varies: the benefits of taking a nap during the day may outweigh the drawbacks, while for others, it may not be practical or desirable.

Taking a siesta has been a topic of debate, particularly on its impact on productivity. Countries including Spain, Greece, and Nigeria continue to practice the siesta in workplaces, largely due to warmer climates contributing to increased feelings of drowsiness, especially after their citizens' lunchtime. Workers are typically allowed to enter a designated, air-conditioned room after their lunch, where they can rest for up to 30 minutes. There is also a cultural aspect attached to taking a siesta; in countries in Latin America and Southern Europe, the siesta is seen as a way to slow down and relax in the middle of a busy day.

Taking siestas also led to the development of apps like SiestApp, created in 2014. SiestApp, a Spanish app, aims to improve the siesta sleep habit in people by monitoring users’ sleep patterns and breathing to decide the best moment to wake them up. The development of apps and programs such as SiestApp highlights that the tradition of the siesta will continue to evolve in modern society even to this day.

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Works Cited

BBC. “It's Time to Put the Tired Spanish Siesta Stereotype to Bed.” BBC Worklife, BBC, 25 Feb. 2022, https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20170609-its-time-to-put-the-tired-spanish-siesta-stereotype-to-bed.

Weir, Kirsten. “The Science of Naps.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, 2016, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/07-08/naps.

Yasmin Anwar, Media Relations| February 22, and Yasmin Anwar. “An Afternoon Nap Markedly Boosts the Brain's Learning Capacity.” Berkeley News, 9 July 2015, https://news.berkeley.edu/2010/02/22/naps_boost_learning_capacity/.