Different cultures have different perceptions and habits about sleep. While Icelanders and Germans have a positive outlook on fresh air, they are terrified of sleeping with the fan on in South Korea - fans come with a warning label of "fan death" from the manufacturers. 😱 Then we turn to the subject of naps. In China and Japan, one works so hard that a nap after lunch is a must to keep going. But in Spain and Italy they enjoy both a relaxed life as well as their long siestas after lunch.

The Italians have a lunch of two hours, which means they have time with a nice “riposo”, which helps with the digestion of all carbohydrates. In Spain, the siesta can be up to four hours long. The Spaniards often eat "Menú del día" for lunch at a restaurant, with bread, appetizer, a main course and dessert as well as drinks. Around the Mediterranean, there may be some wine with the food as well, which may explain the extended lunches. 😏 Here in Sweden it would have been a little difficult to get the manager to join in on a four hour break in the middle of the work day!

Finnish babies in padded cardboard boxes

In Finland, some babies are allowed to spend their first months in padded cartons, which the Finnish government sends out to families. The box is distributed as a starter kit, with clothes, sheets and toys and can then be used as a bed. Accordingly, we should note that Finland has one of the lowest child mortality rates in the world.

When the midsummer night arrives, the Finnish women go out to the flower beds and pick seven different flowers, which are placed under the pillow. According to tradition, they do this - just like Swedish girls and women - to meet Mr. Right 💋 in their midnight dream.

Then we have the Icelandic babies cured with naps outdoors in icy winds, swathed in thick blankets and warm overalls. In Iceland people have always appreciated nature and considered it positive for children to grow up in close connection with the four elements. The babies are left alone in the stroller out on the street without any problems, thanks in part to the confident security in that society.

In 2018, there was a single murder in Iceland, which previously had an average of under one murder per year for several decades. It may not be such a stupid idea to let your baby sleep outdoors, if it leads to such a peaceful community! 😇

Good tips for thieves and nightmares

In Germany people are practical in many ways, and this applies in the bedroom as well. Even though a couple share a bed, it is normal to have a separate blanket. It leads to a peaceful night! Are you the one who leans on too much of the quilt, or the one who is allowed to lie and wail during the winter months? Another tip from the Germans for a better night's sleep is to clean the room during the day, to replenish with oxygen and to extract the night's carbon dioxide.

If you have problems with nightmares, you can acquire a Guatemalan "doll of concern" to which you whisper your problems before going to bed. 👻 👻 Then place the doll under the pillow, where it absorbs all of your stress and anxiety - all night long - so you can sleep well. But do not forget to hug the doll a little over the stomach, as it also needs some love sometimes.