It turns out, culture can play a lot more into somebody’s sleeping habits than one may think. According to a recent study, people in the Netherlands sleep an average of eight hours per night. Even Dutch babies enjoy two additional hours of sleep each day. That’s more than any other country in the world! So why do the Dutch get so much sleep? Does each citizen have a mandated Orange County mattress? Sadly, no, but the real reasons all point to cultural norms and the climate of the country:
In the Netherlands, parents implement the “three R’s” into their children’s lives. These r’s are:
- Rust (Peace)
- Reinheid (Purity)
- Regelmaat (Regularity)
This concept was introduced to the public in the early 1900s. The Dutch believe that healthy sleep patterns are a part of these three R’s. It has been passed down from many generations as children become adults and eventually with their own kids.
As the first fact may imply, the Dutch place a strong emphasis on routine and timeliness:
“Leading parenting researcher, Sara Harkness, identified that the Dutch do, in fact, place higher value on structure and daily routines than other cultures.”
Children are often given very specific schedules each day, and adults also commonly follow strict routines. That includes going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Being late is considered extremely rude in the Netherlands, especially if no notice or legitimate reason is not provided.
Dutch adults have a strong work-life balance.
In the Netherlands, workers are entitled to five weeks of vacation time each year. While hours and workweeks, of course, vary depending on the industry, legally speaking, the most a person can work per day is 9 hours. Their work week cannot exceed 45 hours. This leaves employees with enough time for family and personal commitments as well as ensuring that they get enough sleep every day.
4. There is a lot of natural light in the Netherlands, which helps regulate melatonin levels and improve sleep quality.
It is common for Dutch houses to include an open window area.
5. When they have some free time, the Dutch are even encouraged to take naps during the day.
They are so serious about their sleep that they have a word for it. It’s called “slapenhonger” which means someone who always leaves early in order to beat the traffic and get some zzzs before work or school starts up again (or even just after). But what happens when you’re not ambitious enough? As tourists exploring this beautiful country, don’t forget your manners!
Conclusion
So what can the Dutch teach us about getting a good night’s sleep? Quite a bit, it turns out. By following some of their simple tips—like avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, and creating an environment that is conducive to relaxation—you can help ensure you get the best sleep possible. And with all the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, there’s no reason not to give them a try! Don’t forget to also try switching your Orange County mattress if you are overdue.
