Different Sleep Habits from Around the World

Sleep may be one of the most natural things we do as humans. That doesn't mean, however, that sleep looks the same for everyone all around the world. Different sleep practices are incredibly common across countries, regions and cultures.

North American Sleeping Habits

There are many sleep habits that are more unique to North America and Western culture. Sleeping with pets, for example, is something that 60%+ of pet owners in North American do . This sleep habit is actually frowned upon in other cultures. Western cultures are even one of the few that promote early bed times for children. In other areas of the world, children are encouraged to stay up later and sleep when they feel like it.

It’s clear that even sleep patterns that we assume are “normal” really are just normal for us. Here are a few of the more unique sleep habits from other places around the world.

Image borrowed from Ella’s Wool.

Sleeping Outside

It’s very common in Norway and Sweden for babies to take their naps outside. It’s completely acceptable for mothers to leave a sleeping baby outside a shop door or for daycare centers to have outdoor napping stations for children. The practice stems from the belief that fresh air and cold is actually beneficial for a child to build up strength and prevent sickness. 

Sleeping outside is actually incredibly good for our bodies - even if many countries and cultures do not practice it. Fresh air and being so in tune with nature is great for our immune systems, can regulate our sleep cycles, improve oxygen levels and can improve brain and body functions throughout the day. 

In western cultures we tap into this practice in a really small way by sleeping with open windows. Maybe we should take something from the Scandinavian regions and continue to do so all year long. After all, if they can stand the cold then so should we.

Naps

Italy, Spain, Mexico and Japan all practice and encourage midday naps - all for different reasons.

In Spanish countries like Spain and Mexico this mid-day break is referred to as a siesta. The term “siesta” refers to the “sixth hour”. In Spanish countries, midday is usually the hottest time period. It is common for people who live in these areas to take an extended break, close up shop, find shade and relax during these time periods. This term is now used to describe a mid-day break or nap. 

Italian “nap culture” is quite similar. Called a ‘riposo”, many Italian shops close their doors for a few hours in the afternoon before evening business to allow workers to get lunch, rest up and take a nap. 

In Japan, it’s incredibly common to take naps throughout the day. In fact, it’s not uncommon to sleep in public or even in the workplace. Japan has one of the lowest average-sleep times in the world - around 6.5 hours a night. The Japanese work culture is known to have long work hours, little overtime pay and few paid days off. While this has been slowly changing in the past few decades, there is still an overarching cultural focus on work. Because of this, midday naps are almost expected. When you aren’t sleeping as long at night and are working all day, they pretty much become a requirement. 

Separate Duvets

For German couples who share a bed, it is the norm to each have their own blanket for sleeping. Blanket hogging and disturbing each other by pulling or turning is avoided with this sleep practice. Since 60% of American couples sleep sharing the same bed, maybe it’s a German habit that should be used over here. 

Sleeping with your own duvet makes it easier to regulate your own body and sleep temperature. Tossing and turning while sleeping can cause the blanket to tug or pull at your partner.

Global Sleep Habits

If we can learn one thing from the different sleep habits from around the world it’s that there is no one “right” way to sleep. Challenge yourself to mix up your sleep habits and see if it makes a difference. Assign your partner their own blanket. Throw open the window when you snooze even if it’s cold. Schedule yourself a midday nap. It may be the best thing you do.