A Spanish company has opened the first public napping space in Madrid.
Siesta & Go promises Spaniards a quiet and restful getaway in the middle of the city’s business center.
Napping spaces are nothing new; places to rest already exist in other big cities, such as Tokyo, London, Brussels and New York. But the idea would appear to work well with the culture of Spain, where people traditionally take an afternoon nap, called a siesta.
Siesta & Go invites people to try a different place to lie down and enjoy the qualities of a short rest.
“The siesta is considered one of those small pleasures of life, especially recommended in every way for its clear health benefits,” the company says on its website.
The Madrid nap bar recently opened with 19 beds. They can be rented by the minute or by the hour. People can choose either a private or shared room. An hour of napping time inside a private room costs about $15.
The company also offers areas to work, as well as armchairs, newspapers and coffee for those not wishing to sleep.
Philip Marco is one happy customer. Marcos says he gets tired during the day because he has a long drive to work. He says a siesta is the perfect way to build up energy.
“I come for about 30 minutes, something like that. Sleep 30 minutes and that usually is enough for me to be able to get through the evening.”
Siesta & Go provides all bedding, clean nightshirts and other materials. Nappers can request to be woken up when their time is up.
While many Spaniards love their midday naps, others like Carlos Villarroja say they are just too busy to keep this tradition.
“It’s a Spanish tradition, but I think it’s more of a legend than a tradition. Because with the lifestyle we have, the working hours, the rhythm of life that all Spanish workers have, you have very little free time for a siesta, in my case, at least during the week.”
But many health experts believe there is evidence that taking a short nap can be very good for the body and mind.
Guy Meadows is founder of the Sleep School, which aims to help people get better sleep. He says power naps can increase energy, improve memory and help people stay focused, along with other benefits.
“Actually, we’ve seen that you can double an individual’s ability to solve a creative problem after a power nap, than if they hadn’t [napped].”
Siesta & Go cites scientific studies suggesting that taking a siesta can also prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
I’m Bryan Lynn.
Faiza Elmasry reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
nap – n. a short period of sleep
recommend – v. to say something or someone is good and should be chosen; to suggest
rent – v. money paid in return for being able to use property belonging to someone else
legend – n. a story from the past that is believed by many people, but cannot be proven as true
rhythm – n. a repeated series of events or activities
benefit – n. something that produces a good effect
afternoon – n. the period between the middle of the day and sunset