The average world sleep during the night. But they sleep differently. A survey taken by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) in 2013 reveals that Europeans sleep less during working days in comparison to the time they sleep during holidays. Their average sleeping hours during the weekdays were less than seven hours. On weekends they reported sleeping an extra 45 minutes, showing a relaxed pattern.

Europeans in general use fewer sheets for sleep. They sleep over a duvet or comforter that can be easily removed and washed. This makes for lesser sheet usage during summer. The World sleep culture in each country draws roots to their behaviour and beliefs. Let’s look at the country-wise practices to know the sleep saga of the world.

Spain

Siesta – as feisty as it sounds, the word is fanciful for a mid-day nap in Spain. Not just Spain, but also other countries that are hotter for a major time of the year also follow this as a solution to restore freshness during scorching summers. Although afternoon naps might not be recommended for youngsters, climatic conditions also influence this health condition. While in moderate weather, the generic health advice applies, in extreme weather, these considerations too would be taken for health benefits related to the world sleep culture.

Afghanistan

In a poor country like Afghanistan where a large population cannot afford luxurious homes, a single room is used for multipurpose – bedroom, hall and dining. This also brings to light, the importance of multipurpose, compact, foldable and convertible mattresses to acquire better sleep.

United Kingdom

The UK is popularly known for its sleep in the buff. According to NSF, 30% of UK citizens sleep naked at night. If you had not heard of the benefits of sleeping nude at night, now you should. Data from Forbes elicits that sleeping nude can reduce stress, help you connect better with your partner and develop confidence.

The body free from clothes has a better scope of being loosened up thus keeping blood circulation active. Imagine those elastic wears around your waist and body keeping you uptight even during sleep. How could that even help relaxation? A good night’s sleep in the world sleep culture must let your body be airy and easy to breathe. That is precisely what the British have exemplified.

The United States of America

Americans sleep with their best friend. The Harris Poll, a popular survey reveals that 71 percent of Americans allow their dog to sleep with them at night. What’s more interesting is the emergence of dog beds to complement the man’s best friend with equal luxuries. Some mattress companies even have a 100-dog-day trial period for them, what more could you ask for?

South America

In a parenting book titled How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm, author Mei Ling Hopgood reveals that parents in Argentina indulge with their kids until the evening and put them to sleep around 10 p.m. When they stretch to a late bedtime, they also have a delayed wake-up time, the book says.

North America

Guatemala, a place in North America has a culture of people sleeping with worry dolls. Made of wood or wire, they are dressed in traditional Mayan wear. Akin the native dream catchers, these worry dolls are believed to keep your sleep and dream worry-free. As a charm, they are placed under the pillow for a safe bedtime. In modern times, people around the world hug a pillow or a teddy bear to snuggle up and feel secure. Worry dolls are wooden or wired miniatures of your stuffed buddies.

Scandinavia

Everybody takes vaccinations in childhood against some deadly diseases. In Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden, parents prefer to give children natural vaccinations by letting them sleep outside the home even in cold temperatures. It is believed to increase their immunity levels. Even daycare centres have a demarcated time to let children sleep outside, thus helping them develop immunity against sickness. Scandinavia sure knows the art of germ protection.

Indonesia

Todoet Poeles refers to stress sleeping. When in stress, getting into a deep sleep is what people in Bali, Indonesia believe and exercise. Also referred to as meditative sleep, Balinese believe in resting the brain from conscious overthinking and thereby allowing it to declutter in sleep. It makes you calm and takes you to a peaceful condition, enabling you to handle problems better.

A good way to close down constant mental disturbances, isn’t it?

Japan

Have you ever dozed off in a public place? Well, if you were embarrassed when someone caught you in the act, here’s something that you must know. The Japanese appreciate sleeping on the go! Sleeping while travelling or at other times is looked upon respectfully in Japan and is considered an act of a productive person. It is called inemuri, meaning – sleeping on duty or sleeping while present. What more of high regard could it reflect on a person who shows up in his busy schedule and dozes than not showing up and ticks you out from the priority list?

Australia

Australians believe in snuggling up with people and sleeping for a safe and secure night. Co-sleeping is commonly exercised in Australia. This habit is rooted in the aboriginal times when people slept together for farming and other group livelihood activities, during which they found safety from the environment and attackers at night by being together.

Botswana

How many times have you heard voices waking you up or an annoying alarm clock that wouldn’t shut up without a snoozer? Botswana breaks the rules by not having a standard sleep timing. Be it day or night, people here do not stick to a common sleep timing and fall asleep whenever they are tired. This ensures timely rest for the body rather than having to wait longer even when tired.

Mexico

Prayer before bed is a common habit in Mexico. Perfectly designed culture in terms of inducing positivity before sleep, it materializes the incredible power of the subconscious mind by giving valuable tasks to it to process oversleeping. When you pray, you make goals, ask for directions to attain them and charter your troubles by having faith in the invisible healing power. When you do this before bedtime, the solutions effectively get executed. Scientifically, praying in half sleep is termed alpha meditation. While prayer before sleep is done in a fully awakened state, it still passes on the message to the subconscious mind about your desires and thus helps it to work through you.

China

Great tea and acupuncture are considered remedies to induce sleep in China. The Chinese also believe that getting to bed on time acts as a healing power in resolving body conditions by activating organ repair in sleep. Their average sleep time is around 10.30 pm to 11 pm.

Africa

Africa is a country where many parts are plagued with mosquitoes probably because of the existence of forests and thick ungroomed vegetation in various places. These mosquitoes are sure enemies to sleep for many obvious reasons – their annoying buzzing noise, hazardous bites and carriers of contagious diseases. Thus, Africans prefer a netted bed that is totally protected from the surroundings. These world sleep cultures reveal more about the ethnicity and the situations in which people sleep in various countries. A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a balanced and healthy life. If you have issues with sleep, then figure out the cause and pay attention to get it eradicated.