Taking naps or siestas is a common practice in many parts of the world, including China. Napping has been ingrained in Chinese culture for centuries and is seen as an important part of maintaining health and wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the nap culture in China, looking at the history of napping, its benefits, and how common napping is today.
The history of napping in China
The practice of taking midday naps has been documented in China for over 2000 years. There are records of daily nap rituals among nobles and emperors during the Zhou dynasty in 1000-221 BC. Napping spaces were even built in imperial palaces to accommodate the custom.
Napping grew in popularity during the Song dynasty in 960-1279 AD. At this time, the Chinese believed that the human body followed a natural circadian rhythm aligned with the sun. Sleep was divided into two distinct periods – a long sleep at night and a nap around midday when the sun was at its peak.
The Chinese devised complex guidelines around napping based on factors like age, environment, and constitution. Elders and children were encouraged to nap frequently while adults napped as needed. The optimal nap duration and timing were also prescribed depending on individual needs.
This rich culture of napping as a health practice has persisted in China over the centuries. Naps are still seen as an inexpensive and effective way to boost overall wellbeing.
Benefits of napping
Research has uncovered many benefits to taking short naps or siestas during the day:
- Improves alertness – Naps refresh the mind and lead to increased productivity after waking up.
- Enhances learning and memory – A nap helps consolidate information absorbed before sleeping.
- Boosts creativity – Allows the brain to make new connections leading to creative ideas.
- Reduces stress – Lowers cortisol levels associated with anxiety and chronic stress.
- Better cardiovascular health – Daytime naps are linked to lower blood pressure.
In addition to these general advantages, napping holds special significance in China due to the common habit of drinking tea after lunch. Tea contains caffeine which can cause insomnia if consumed too late in the day. An afternoon nap counters this effect of midday caffeine.
Prevalence of napping today
The tradition of afternoon napping is still thriving across China today. Naps are most common right after the midday meal. Chinese workers get around 30 minutes to 2 hours for lunch and many use this time to nap as well as eat.
Napping at work is acceptable and even encouraged by some employers. Offices and public spaces may have special rooms with mats or beds for napping. Beds are also provided for women to nap during menstrual cramps.
Culturally, the Chinese believe that napping improves efficiency and see it as necessary for optimum performance at work. Doctors regularly advise patients to nap as part of treatment plans.
Here are some statistics on napping in China today:
- Around 70% of Chinese people nap regularly.
- The average nap is 30-60 minutes taken after lunch.
- People nap at school, at work, in cars, on trains – wherever convenient.
- Most naps happen between 12 – 3 pm when circadian rhythms dip.
- Public surveys show broad approval of napping with 95% calling it healthy.
Napping is also common among Chinese preschoolers and school children. Special naptimes are scheduled at schools and preschools after lunch. Napping is seen as important for development, learning, and growth in young children.
Regional differences
While napping is common across China, some regional differences exist:
- Southern provinces like Guangdong have a stronger culture of napping due to the hot climate.
- Industrial cities see more napping by workers due to labor-intensive jobs.
- Rural agriculture areas have retained traditional nap schedules tied to lunch.
- Coastal regions take weekend naps to catch up on sleep.
The duration of naps also varies by region – from 20 minutes to 2 hours naps depending on local customs.
Changing attitudes
China’s rapid urbanization has led to some shifts in nap culture recently:
- Younger generation in cities naps less than older Chinese citizens.
- White-collar employees nap less than blue-collar workers.
- Rising work pressures in cities mean fewer companies allow naps.
- Lengthening commute times reduce opportunities to nap.
Still, napping remains hugely popular across most of China. Surveys indicate over 50% of citizens still nap regularly even in major metros like Beijing and Shanghai.
Napping spaces
China has devised innovative ways to accommodate the cultural preference for afternoon naps in public spaces:
- Capsule hotels – These contain small pods for napping and resting.
- Sleeping pods – Pods with beds are provided in offices, schools, parks.
- Nap cafes – Cafes rent out beds and rooms for patrons to nap.
- Massage chairs – Found in public spaces for relaxing short naps.
It is also common to see people napping in cars, on benches, under trees, or just on the ground in public parks and spaces.
Famous nappers
Many famous Chinese figures were known to practice regular napping:
- Mao Zedong – China’s Communist leader took frequent afternoon naps.
- Winston Churchill – The British PM visited China and adopted the nap habit.
- Thomas Edison – The prolific inventor napped before working on inventions.
- Leonardo Da Vinci – The Renaissance genius took short naps every 4 hours.
Their example has contributed to positive perceptions of afternoon napping in China over the centuries.
Conclusion
Napping and siestas are deeply rooted in Chinese history and culture. The practice continues to be widely popular across China today, with around 70% of citizens napping regularly. Naps are seen as essential for good health, cognitive function, and performance. While attitudes are shifting slightly in urban areas, the tradition persists strongly in most of China. The Chinese culture of napping has also spawned innovative public napping spaces like nap cafes and sleeping pods. With its proven benefits and historic precedent, the habit of afternoon napping looks set to continue thriving in China.