Keeping up with Gen Zzzzz

Long before “power naps” became part of modern productivity culture, Filipinos were already enjoying a good siesta. Some say Spain introduced this nap culture and the word that describes it during 300+ years of colonial rule in the Philippines. Others believe our ancestors already knew the art of resting during the hottest part of the day. Our lolos and lolas didn’t just nap because it was comfortable—they napped because it’s practically a national pastime, a mindset most probably acquired from the Spaniards. After a filling lunch (and maybe a bit too much rice), there’s just no better time to sneak in some pampabata sleep.

Whether we learned it from the Spaniards or were simply born with it in our DNA, the midday nap has long been a fixture in Filipino life. And for many Filipinos, a good siesta serves as a coping mechanism that may also enhance productivity at work or at play.

Farmers, for example, take siestas as a natural part of the workday. After tending crops, they would have a meal and a nap (or maybe answer a booty call?) in shaded nipa huts in the middle of the fields before resuming their labor. Fishermen, however, don’t have it so easy. They can’t exactly drift off in their bancas without risking waking up in the middle of the sea or, worse, in disputed waters where they risk being assaulted by water cannons. 

Ella Fitzgerald, the Queen of Scat herself, sang, “Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it.” She might as well have been referring to the universal need for naps. From lions to dogs and house cats, animals have always set an example of the power of a midday rest. For us apex creatures, napping has become a hallmark of human civilization because we need that downtime to revitalize and thrive.

Here’s where science finally catches up with what we’ve known for generations. Research shows that siestas between 20 and 30 minutes recharge better than a cup of coffee, enhancing memory, alertness, and overall mood. This “power nap” has become the sweet spot for Millennials (and Gen Zzzzz) who are carrying on tradition albeit with modern-day twists.

The “caffeine nap,” for instance — where you down an espresso before a quick nap—has become a popular method, waking you up with caffeine at the perfect time for peak alertness. Our kids—hardwired for strong, trendy coffee or tea—might be onto something here.

For most of us who grew up in a time when terms like WFH, Zoom, Skype, or telecommuting were unheard of, office naps are as natural as clocking in. Ask any seasoned office-goer about the “lights-off” lunch break and he’ll most likely say that the moment where doors are shut, phones are off, and even monitors go to “sleep” is the magical hour to restore human power for the afternoon grind.

The after-lunch siesta is non-negotiable for others: Interrupt it at the risk of encountering a crankier, meaner co-worker. And while some Millennials and Gen Zs might spend their lunch breaks streaming shows, the oldies know that a quick snooze is far more precious than the latest Netflix show.

With more companies advocating for wellness and productivity, naps are no longer seen as lazy but essential. Some tech companies even have “nap rooms” and fancy pods for employees to recharge. Of course, Gen X-ers roll their eyes a little at this, thinking back to the days when we simply closed our door or napped in the car, or anywhere else for that matter. 

Take the case of millions of OFWs across the world. Do you think our siesta culture is confined within Philippine shores? My limited exposure to OFWs has taught me that wherever fortune brings them, they have adapted to nap on-the-go, which guarantees their resilience and efficiency. From caregivers in Korea who catch up on sleep between shifts to healthcare workers in the US and the UK who sneak in naps during breaks, Filipino workers have carried this tradition around the globe.

Napping isn’t exactly rocket science. You don’t need fancy gadgets for a good nap, although today’s soundproof headphones, lavender eye masks, and nap-tracking apps make it really look cool. But at its heart, napping is as simple as closing your eyes for a few minutes. Even if you don’t succeed in dozing off, your eyes will still thank you for it.

The true art of napping is knowing how to sleep anytime, anywhere, and for how long. You certainly don’t want your boss waking you up when your officemates and (former) friends conspired to let you “sleep in peace.” As a professional napper, I also know that napping over 30 minutes could leave you groggy, something like sleeping beyond your normal sleeping time. In my experience, a 20- to 30-minute siesta is good enough to carry me through the rest of the day, confirming what sleep researchers have been saying.

I’m a bit surprised that the younger generations—Millennials, Gen Zs and Alphas who grew up in a fast-paced era—are embracing napping as a necessity, not a luxury. With productivity being a top priority for many of them, napping might feel like a guilty pleasure. Fortunately, if our generation has taught them anything, it’s that a refreshed mind and body can accomplish far more than a hyperactive but weary one. It’s not adulting, kids. At least, not yet.

Napping isn’t just a trend; it’s a tradition, a productivity tool, a habit that costs nothing except, maybe, map lines on your forehead and cheeks, depending on how you slump on your desk.

So, embrace the nap. It’s time-honored, backed by science, and, most importantly, it’s one of the few things in life that require zero effort. And if anyone asks why you’re idling in the middle of the day, just tell them: “I’m working on my dream job.”