What is the history of siesta in Spain?

What is the history of siesta in Spain?

The Spanish siestas likely started after Spanish field workers started taking breaks around the middle of the day to come in out of the sun. During their siestas, they would escape the heat at the hottest time of the day and give themselves time to eat lunch and hang out with their families away from the elements.

How do siestas work in Spain?

A siesta (from Spanish, pronounced [ˈsjesta] and meaning “nap”) is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Due to this schedule, workers don’t eat lunch at work, but instead leave work around 2pm and eat their main meal which is the heaviest at lunch time.

Do Spanish schools have siesta?

The school day in most primary schools in Spain is from 09:00-12:00 and 15:00-17:00. There is a two-and-a-half to three-hour break in the middle of the day for lunch and a siesta. Many children go home for the breaks, though children of working parents may stay and have lunch (the comidor) if this is available.

What is Siesta and why is it important?

Actually worldwide doctors agree that Siesta is extremely important in keeping people happy, productive, and healthy. Siesta started in the old days in Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy (it’s not just Spanish), because of hot mediterranean sun in the summer. Basically people went indoors to cool off and rest after working during the morning.

Why do people in Spain and Italy have siestas?

Traditionally, another important reason for the siesta was to beat the mid-day heat, particularly for workers in the fields. Spain and Italy are hardly alone in this — other countries close to the equator, like Greece, Mexico, Ecuador, The Philippines, Costa Rica and Nigeria, all observe similar hours.

Is siesta time good for your brain?

Your brain is better during the following two, three hours after you sleep than during the rest of the day. Siesta is good if you only sleep 30 minutes or less. People who have a proper siesta live longer and healthier than the people who don’t have siestas, provided that they have the same type of life, obviously.

What is the best way to take a siesta?

– It’s best to take your siesta lying down, as that’s the natural sleeping position and most of your muscles will be able to relax, which isn’t possible when you’re sitting up. – If you want to wake up full of energy (not more tired than you were before the siesta), nap for 20 to 30 minutes, but no longer!