Postprandial heaviness in the head, treacherously sticking together eyes, a desire to lie down for at least fifteen minutes. Napping. For some, this is a luxury and a sign of laziness, for others — an integral part of a productive day, a legal tradition. There are people who cannot imagine themselves without a "quiet hour," while there are those who would not lie down during the day, afraid of feeling exhausted in the evening. Who is right? And what does science say about this short immersion in Morpheus' embrace? A short history of a long rest Humanity has been divided into two camps long before the industrial revolution. In countries with a hot climate, the afternoon nap — siesta — was vital. In Spain, Italy, Greece, Latin American countries, in the middle of the day, shops closed, the streets quieted down, and people fell asleep for a postprandial nap to wait out the scorching sun. This tradition dates back to Roman culture, where there was a "cold break" — a break from 12 to 3 PM. In the late 20th century, many countries tried to abolish the siesta for economic efficiency, but the tradition proved to be enduring. Today, in 2026, discussions are underway in Spain about the return of a full working day with a nap break. Unlike Southern Europe, northern countries, including Russia, never had a tradition of a daytime nap. Our climate and rhythm of life dictated a different schedule: an early rise, work without a break, and an early bedtime. However, globalization and remote work blur these boundaries. Physiology: why you feel sleepy after lunch The desire to lie down between 2-4 PM is not laziness, but a biological rhythm. Our body is designed to have not only night sleep but also a smaller, weaker "second peak" of sleepiness. It is associated with circadian rhythms — internal clocks that regulate hormone production. The production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) indeed increases at night, but there is also a slight increase during the day. Moreover, after ... Read more