Foreign students checking out their timetable in China may well be delighted to notice a two hour plus lunch break from classes. Now this does not necessarily mean that their teachers are guessing foreigners are slow eaters. In fact, these extra long lunch breaks are usually designed to allow time for the Chinese take on the “siesta”.

The Chinese aren’t as famous for their mid day nap as their Latino friends, yet sleeping during the day is a habit that you are bound to notice when you are in the country. Throughout their school career, children are encouraged to go back to their dormitories for a light nap during their lunch breaks, especially during the warm summer months. This is particularly easy to understand when you realize that classes tend to start very early and there are often classes and other activities stretching out into the evening so this half hour of recharging one’s batteries is very important for maintaining concentration. However, a bed is not a strict requirement for the afternoon nap: apparently anywhere and everywhere will do. A common sight is workmen resting in the middle of a day of labor, lying on a cart or even on the ground. Shop assistants sometimes just place their heads on the counter and sleep for a minute or twenty. Some offices regularly turn off the lights for half an hour after lunch so that people can have a little shut eye.

This nap culture, which some fear is dying in China’s bigger cities with global outlooks and 24 hour service needs, could be explained by a few different factors. Like Spain, the habit might have become popular simply due to the heat of the midday sun. Others reckon that it is to compensate for long working hours and many not getting enough sleep during the night. According to China Daily, a recent survey shows that one in four Chinese do not go to bed until after midnight and over half (58%) are up before 7am. Professor Jiang Fan, who is an expert on sleep problems at Shanghai Children’s Medical Centre does not think this is enough sleep to give people the energy they need: at least seven or eight are required. He also commented “the phenomenon reveals an evolution in the lifestyles of people in China, who used to rise early and rest early ten years ago” .

Still, the ability of lots of Chinese people to catch up on their sleep anywhere at any time is envied by many foreigners. A simple google search reveals a multitude of bloggers commenting on the weird and wonderful places they have spotted nappers. Blogger Josh Gartner offers several theories behind the phenomenon, including the ‘Eternal Peace Theory’ that Chinese people are naturally peaceful because of their Buddhist traditions, so can relax more easily. Alternatively it might be the result of a history of communal living for much of the older population. As Josh puts it, “If you had seven brothers and lived in a two bedroom apartment then you could sleep anywhere too!” .

Moreover, recent studies have shown the humble mid day nap could well have health benefits for your heart, so the Chinese are a few steps ahead already. The China Post reported that research in Greece showed a 37% reduction in heart attacks among people who napped for a minimum of thirty minutes at least three times a week. Besides this, a study in the Journal of Applied Psychology tested nine volunteers who didn’t usually nap and found there was a significant drop in blood pressure when volunteers slept, but not when they merely relaxed.  A NASA study showed pilots who were allowed to take short naps improved their performance by 34% and their alertness by 54%.

Studies have also shown that naptime can lead to a more productive and alert workplace. The nicest nap for a productive afternoon, according to Helene Emsellem, author of “Snooze… or lose!”, should begin just after lunch, at about 2pm or 3pm: late enough to fit into your natural siesta zone but not so late that it will interrupt your sleep that night. The best nap length is between 20 and 30 minutes, as it gives you the restorative benefits of sleep without the lethargy or grogginess—what Emsellem calls "sleep drunkenness." 

All things considered, it is worth considering using the time allocated in the extra long Chinese lunch break for the suggested quick nap, even if it’s not what you’re used to. It might be good for you, and could reasonably be called “part of the Chinese culture”… So put your feet up and have sweet dreams!

References:
http://app1.chinadaily.com.cn/star/2005/0317/fo5-1.html
http://www.chinaexpat.com/blog/josh/2007/08/22/great-chinese-nap.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/health/2007/10/26/128213/Naps-might.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52438
http://www.newsweek.com/id/58012

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