Siesta

The Spanish word siesta is originally derived from the Latin phrase [hora] sexta ('sixth [hour]', counting from dawn, hence "midday rest").

Factors explaining the geographical distribution of the modern siesta are warm temperatures and heavy intake of food at midday meals.

In many countries that practice the siesta, the summer heat can be unbearable in the early afternoon, making a midday break at home welcome.

Taking a long lunch break including a nap is common in a number of Mediterranean, tropical, and subtropical countries.

"[11]: 535 In Southern Italy, the siesta is called controra (from contro ("counter") + ora "hour") that is considered a magical time of the day, in which the world comes back into the possession of ghosts and spirits.

Einhard's Life of Charlemagne describes the emperor's summertime siestas: "In summer, after his midday meal, he would eat some fruit and take another drink; then he would remove his shoes and undress completely, just as he did at night, and rest for two or three hours.

Surveys indicate that about two-thirds of the Chinese population habitually takes afternoon naps, with the average duration being approximately 30 minutes.

The habit is more likely among the elderly or during summer holidays, in order to avoid the high temperatures of the day and extend social life until the cooler late evenings and nights.

[20] The siesta habit has been associated with a 37 percent reduction in coronary mortality, possibly due to reduced cardiovascular stress mediated by daytime sleep.

[21] Epidemiological studies on the relations between cardiovascular health and siesta have led to conflicting conclusions, possibly because of poor control of confounding variables, such as physical activity.