National Siesta Day 2009
National Siesta Day 20098 has been cancelled. This is in response to recent research suggesting that there may be a slight link between napping and the development of Diabetes Type 2 (See Siesta Facts for further details). The organisers have reluctantly decided not to actively promote the activity of daily napping until research shows that the activity is risk free or confirms under what circumstances Diabetes Type 2 or any other health condition may arise, so that the public can be advised acccordingly. We apologise for any inconveninece caused due to NSD 2009 being cancelled. Further information will be posted on this site when it becomes available. If you have concerns about developing Diabetes Type 2 you should consult your doctor before adopting napping on a daily or regular basis.
The UK's third NATIONAL SIESTA DAY took place on Wednesday 25 June 2008 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.
2009 note: National Siesta Day is suspended until further notice.