Siesta

A siesta is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some countries, particularly those where the weather is warm.

Since the siesta is the traditional daytime sleep of Spain, and through Spanish influence, of many Hispanic American countries and in the Philippines, the word siesta has been taken from Spanish, from the Latin hora sexta – "the sixth hour" (counting from dawn, therefore noon, hence "midday rest"). Einhard's Life of Charlemagne recounts the emperor's summertime siesta: "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."

Factors explaining the geographical distribution of the modern siesta are mainly high temperatures and heavy intake of food at the midday main meal. Combined, these two factors contribute to the feeling of post-lunch drowsiness. In these countries, the heat can be unbearable in the early afternoon, making a midday break at home ideal. However, in the cold Patagonia, people have siestas too. This could indicate that siestas have a stronger relation with culture than with climate.

The original concept of a siesta seems to have been merely that of a midday break intended to allow people to spend time with their friends and family.