Siestas for beginners

If you have ever been to Spain, you probably know that when the sun is at its highest point, the liveliness in the streets dies out. During these sizzling hours, Spanish people enjoy their traditional siesta, a beauty sleep that cuts their working day in

While many believe that siestas have been common in Spain since the beginning of time, they are a rather new phenomenon. It was only in the 1920s that high-up clerks started to rearrange their working hours, creating a longer lunch break in which they could take a nap. In the following decades, their subordinates followed their example, creating the now-legendary Spanish working rhythm.

Why take a siesta?

The question is rather: why not? Closing your eyes after lunch prevents stress, improves your memory and is good for your heart. Yet, the foremost reason for the Spaniards to take one is, of course, to escape the Spanish summer heat. As Spaniards usually work until 8pm, they like to stay up late as well. A siesta, then, helps them to compensate for those short nights.

When is siesta time?

Traditionally, Spanish people are off between 2pm and 4pm. They call these long lunchbreaks their ‘little weekends’. Once off, they first cook themselves a hot meal. Given the importance of proper lunching in Spain, this can even be a three- or four-course meal. When they are full, they settle somewhere comfortable and try to catch some sleep. Before closing their eyes, they usually have a cup of coffee. This might sound odd, but it actually makes total sense: as it takes about 20 minutes for the caffeine to kick in, the energy boost will present itself right when they want to wake up again – because a siesta is all but a multiple-hour sleeping break. A self-respecting Spaniard always limits it to 20 or 30 minutes only. If you stay horizontal for much longer, you will likely remain sleepy for the rest of the day.

Where to take a siesta?

Those working close to home usually opt for the comfort of their proper bed or sofa. Yet, as many people can’t head home during their break, it isn’t considered strange at all to take your nap in your local park or square. Lie down on the grass underneath a tree, make yourself comfortable on a park bench, or occupy the back of your car.