In China, the practice of taking afternoon naps remains widely embraced despite the country’s demanding work environments. A survey conducted by the China Sleep Research Society in March found that 72 percent of Chinese respondents prefer naps lasting at least 30 minutes during the day, reflecting a tradition rooted in thousands of years of history.

The origins of this custom can be traced back to ancient Chinese medical texts. The Huangdi Neijing, or Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor, compiled around 2,000 years ago, recommends a full night's sleep between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. and a short nap between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This timing corresponds to what traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) identifies as the Wu hour, when the body's yang energy—associated with warmth and sunlight—is at its peak. TCM theory holds that this energy is connected to the heart and that taking a nap during this period can help strengthen and nourish it.

The cultural significance of afternoon naps is evident in classical Chinese literature. Prominent figures such as Wang Anshi, a Northern Song dynasty poet and politician, and Lu You, a historian and poet from the Southern Song dynasty, composed works reflecting their appreciation for—and occasional frustrations with—daily rest. In more recent history, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping was known to incorporate naps into his routine, reportedly consuming small amounts of baijiu during lunch to aid his rest.

Historically, napping was seen as sensible rather than indulgent. In agrarian societies, avoiding work during midday heat was practical and helped maintain productivity. Today, amid China’s intense 996 work schedule—where employees often work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—some workers continue to uphold the tradition by bringing portable beds and pillows to the office to catch brief naps during lunch breaks.

Certain regions, such as Shanxi province, uphold afternoon naps with particular dedication. Businesses ranging from restaurants to courier services often close for a few hours in the afternoon to ensure employees can rest.

However, TCM advises moderation in napping habits. Experts recommend limiting naps to around 30 minutes and caution against sleeping immediately after meals. Proper posture during naps is also emphasized. Medical professionals at the Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM warn that napping at a desk posture can cause physical strain, particularly affecting the spine’s cervical and lumbar regions, restrict breathing, and reduce overall sleep quality, potentially leading to increased anxiety.

Overall, the afternoon nap remains a deeply ingrained aspect of Chinese daily life, balancing cultural tradition with contemporary health considerations.