The UK's second NATIONAL SIESTA DAY took place on Wednesday 11 July 2007 and was received with enthusiasm up and down the country. While newspaper reporting was patchy, radio and TV gave lots of coverage and people were welcoming it and voicing their support. The idea of having a 10-20 minute, post lunch nap to restore energy levels, improve alertness and productivity is gaining more acceptance and approval.
Noel Kingsley talks to Joel Hills, Sky News on the benefits of having a nap.
Air-time communication of National Siesta Day 2007 began at 6.30am at BBC Television Studios in Shepherds Bush, London with six hours of non-stop radio and TV interviews starting with Radio Five Live, LBC, BBC World Service, BBC London, British Forces Radio worldwide and a great many local radio stations up and down the country ending with BBC World TV with George Alagiah, Sky News and BBC1 6pm News. In total Noel Kingsley gave 33 live radio and TV interviews on National Siesta Day. National Siesta Day was even the subject of a discussion on the mid afternoon TV games show 'Countdown' between Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman as they voiced their own support and expounded the virtues of having a nap. The media coverage for 2007 was about 50% more than achieved in 2006.
Many radio stations and press made a theme of the Spanish connection to the Siesta which gave it atmosphere and fun. But in every case a short 10-15 minute nap was recommended rather than the traditional two hour siesta of Spain. The short nap is a most effective and natural way to refresh your mind, clear your head, help you be more alert, creative and communicative in the afternoon.
Radio stations conducted interviews on the street and the majority of people interviewed thought it was a great idea. Almost everyone said they would love to have a short nap during lunch break if it was allowed and encouraged. The indications were that a change to the British culture to accept the siesta or short nap may not be that far away.
The next National Siesta Day will be Wednesday 25 June 2008 and it is hoped that increased media coverage will help communicate the benefits and practice more widely. However, the benefits are there to be had every day and it is hoped that with continued encouragement and communication, the practice of having a post-lunch nap will become more widespread and acceptable in UK culture. Having a regular daily nap can help reduce stress and the risk of heart disease by over 30%, improve alertness by 100% and productivity by 34%. It helps lead to a healthier, longer life.