Sleeping 1x around the world: Curious sleeping habits and cultures worldwide

Sleep is important. Even more: it is essential for survival. We humans need it to recover and to draw new strength. But we also need it to process all the impressions of a day. In addition, growth hormones are released at night, the metabolism is boosted and the immune system is strengthened. So sleep is a real all-rounder, without which we wouldn't be who we are. But sleep is also closely linked to the respective culture. In this blog post, we are therefore dedicating this time to sleep culture worldwide and show different sleeping habits - distributed across the globe.

The sleep timing

About eight hours of sleep, when it's dark outside - that's the ultimate in our latitudes. We are also used to parents sharing a bed while each child has their own bedroom. However, this sleep culture is only one of many. For example, the Aborigines in Australia prefer to sleep in large groups. Sleep timing also varies from culture to culture:

The eight-hour sleepers: These include Western countries such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Working time, free time and rest time are clearly separated from each other, so that many representatives of this group only sleep once a day – eight hours on average.

The nap connoisseurs: This group usually sleeps less at night, so they take naps in between. And not only in bed, but also at the desk, in the subway or on the park bench. Asian cultures in particular are comfortable with this sleep timing.

The Siesta Makers: A siesta is an extended afternoon nap. And this is often simply part of it for people from southern parts of Europe and the Arab world. Especially the hot midday hours are bridged in this way.

sleep cultures worldwide 

Many other customs associated with the respective sleep culture could not be more different. A brief overview:

Europe: In western countries, the bedroom is a place of rest and seclusion. Far away from the family center, which is in the kitchen or in the living room, you can enjoy eight hours of sleep here – preferably on a double bed with two mattresses. But the power nap is also slowly finding its way into western sleep cultures. Airing the bedroom is particularly sacred to Austrians and Germans. On the other hand, a Scandinavian trend may seem a bit bizarre to some: Babies there are more likely to be put outside in a pram for their nap than in bed. Because snoozing in the fresh air is considered healthier.

USA: In the USA, many things are a bit bigger and more pompous – including the bed. Americans therefore love to sleep in massive box spring beds with a high mattress and lots of pillows. Airing is far less frequent, although many people here spend more time in bed than Europeans on average. On the other hand, Americans love soothing scents in their bedroom, such as lavender or jasmine. And power naps - even between work appointments - are a fixed part of this sleep culture.

Asia: With many Asians practicing polyphase sleep and enjoying naps in between, the bedroom has competition from many other places. As a result, it doesn't matter that much. Many Japanese use a futon bed laid out in any room for the night. This is either just a thin mattress or a light wooden frame with a mattress. In the morning, this sleeping space can be rolled up and stowed away in no time at all, which means that the respective room can be used again for other purposes. The Indians and Pakistanis also love things unconventional and like to sleep on a charpai. This four-legged wooden frame with woven fabric panels and ropes is ideal for transport and is perfect for tropical areas.

Sleep is an individual matter

Even though our sleep is influenced by many cultural factors, how we sleep and when we withdraw is also a deeply individual matter. Because we all go through different stages in life or live in different apartments. But what we can say with certainty: Our hammocks are also ideal for a nap or even a longer sleeping unit. Because the slight rocking movements can help you fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep.