Beliebtes Päuschen: Fast jeder zweite Erwachsene hält Mittagsschlaf

A new study reveals that nearly half of all adults in Germany indulge in a midday nap at least once a week. The majority of these individuals allow themselves one to two such Powernaps per week, followed by a smaller group that takes a daily nap. However, the exact reasons why some people desire more frequent midday naps but cannot due to their professional obligations remain unexplored.

When surveyed, approximately 45% of respondents reported having at least one weekly midday nap in the past four weeks, with women at 47% and men at 44%. The majority of nappers fall within the range of one to two times per week, while those who nap daily are primarily those aged 65 and above, as well as individuals with lower formal educational backgrounds.

The RKI advises that a brief midday nap lasting under 60 minutes is beneficial, as it leaves people feeling less tired and more productive. However, a longer nap of 60 minutes or more is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and depression, although this is a statistical correlation rather than a causal one.

The survey, conducted among around 8,000 participants, also indicates that women under 45 years old are more likely than older age groups to have at least one extended midday nap per week. The increased work-related stress and reduced nighttime sleep, which disproportionately affects women, may be potential explanations for this phenomenon.

According to the RKI, the average adult sleeps 7 hours and 26 minutes per night, with adults experiencing slightly less sleep during the week (7 hours and 15 minutes) compared to weekends (7 hours and 53 minutes). Even young adults aged 18 to 29 years sleep up to an hour longer on weekends than on weekdays (8 hours and 23 minutes versus 7 hours and 20 minutes).

Experts recommend that adults should sleep between seven and nine hours per night, while those aged 65 and above should aim for seven to eight hours. It is explicitly stated that individual sleep needs vary greatly from person to person.