5 Uncanny Sleeping Habits Across the Globe
Imagine you’re finally done with the homework that has been bothering you for days, or you’ve just arrived home after a long, exhausting day at work. You see your bed and collapse onto it—savoring the comfort of your blanket and the softness of your pillow.
However, what many don’t know is that sleep isn’t limited to having a soft bed, a plush pillow, or an air-conditioned room for it to feel truly comforting. Across the globe, there are unique sleeping habits that may seem unusual but are surprisingly effective in promoting restorative rest.
For instance, in the Philippines, a “kulambo” (mosquito net) is used for safe sleeping. Nevertheless, for many Filipinos, the use of kulambo has evolved into a comforting ritual—lightly brushing it with their feet to create a specific sensory experience that helps them fall asleep.
Practices like this reveal how sleeping habits are deeply shaped by the culture and environment in which they developed. With that in mind, explore these unfamiliar sleeping habits from around the world that you might not have heard of yet.
Worry Dolls (Guatemala)
Sleeping with worry dolls is a practice that originated in Guatemala but also popular in Mexico. Traditionally, highland Indigenous communities craft worry dolls using twigs, wood, wire, and recycled rags from Mayan costumes.
It is believed that worry dolls help children cope with their concerns by giving them a way to express their worries. To cast their “magic,” a child whispers their worries to the dolls, places them under the pillow, and goes to sleep. By morning, all of their worries are expected to be gone.
Though rooted in myth, this practice has become an integral part of Guatemalan culture and serves as a healthy way to encourage children to open up without fear of judgment.
Inemuri (Japan)
People often view falling asleep at work as something that could harm one’s professional image. However, in Japan, dozing off at work carries a different meaning. In fact, Japanese people see it as a sign of hard work and dedication. This practice, called “inemuri” (which translates to “being present while sleeping” in English). It refers to the ability to briefly rest while staying socially engaged. People who can quickly resume their tasks after a short rest are regarded as diligent and efficient workers.
Inemuri can occur during meetings, on the way home, or even while waiting for a train after a long night out. It is a respected cultural phenomenon in Japan, shaped by the country’s work ethic and social norms.
Segmented Sleep (Europe)
Segmented sleep, also known as “polyphasic sleep,” is a traditional practice in parts of continental Europe. It refers to sleeping in multiple shorter periods throughout the day rather than in one long block at night.
Segmented sleep is common among night-shift workers who often sleep shortly after work, wake to manage family duties, and take a second sleep before their next shift. They believe that this pattern is more beneficial than relying on a single short daytime sleep, which may lead to sleep deprivation.
Babies Napping Outdoors in Subzero Temperatures (Nordic Countries)
In Nordic countries like Denmark and Finland, people don’t consider it unusual to see a baby napping alone in frigid conditions. Parents commonly allow their babies down for naps outdoors, even in temperatures as low as −16°F. Nordic people believe that exposure to fresh air helps babies sleep better.
Despite risks of hypothermia and safety, some sleep experts claim that fresh air can induce deeper rest. To minimize risks, parents typically bundle their babies in wool garments, use insulated strollers, and tuck their babies into sleeping bags.
Midday Siesta (Spain)
Spaniards traditionally practice the midday siesta, also known as “riposo.” In Spain, lunch is the biggest meal of the day. As many of us know, eating a large meal often leads to a feeling of drowsiness. This happens because the body directs much of its blood to the stomach to aid digestion, leaving less blood flow to the brain.
Beyond the effect of a heavy lunch, Spain’s intense midday heat further reinforces the tradition of the siesta. To cope with the hottest hours of the day, businesses typically close from 2 to 4 p.m. This break allows people time to rest and recover. While locals accept this pause, many foreigners find the midday shutdown inconvenient. Over time, the Philippines has also adapted this practice.
For many of us, going to bed is the best part of the day. It feels like a well-deserved reward after enduring the demands and fatigue of life. After all, sleep is how our mind and body recover from daily strain. No matter how uncanny our sleeping habits are, rest is not a luxury we earn, but a necessity we owe ourselves.
