Here in the United States, many people consider eight hours an ideal amount of sleep
— and most of them expect those eight hours to come in one block at night. But in Latin
America, Mediterranean countries, and other parts of the world, the ideal slumber
follows quite a different pattern. In sunny climates, people like to retreat from the heat
and stress of a busy day for an afternoon siesta, then make up the difference by staying
up late at night.Cultural norms evolve to suit the needs and preferences of particular
societies. But human biology is much the same in Athens and Chicago. Perhaps, then,
a study of siestas in Greece will help Americans understand their own choices for
healthful sleep. The study also raises the interesting possibility that a daily siesta may
help ward off heart disease.
