Our Sleep Habits
Sleeping is a vital need for our body to function properly and stay healthy. On average, we should spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, as a lack of sleep can have harmful effects on the body.
In France, sleep quality is a growing concern and is being closely studied. On average, the French sleep less than 7 hours a day — below the 8 hours recommended by health organizations. A large portion of the population (45% according to the CNRS) reports sleep disorders such as insomnia, nighttime awakenings, and non-restorative sleep. These issues can often be linked to the constant presence of screens and the stress of daily life.
The key is to find the sleep routine that works best for you, based on your personal and physiological needs.
We invite you to discover the various bedtime rituals from around the world — perhaps one of them will inspire you and help you rediscover truly restorative sleep.
Bedtime Rituals Around the World
a) Sleep Practices in Asia
In Asia, sleep practices vary across cultures and countries, but they share a common approach — one that is more flexible and collective compared to Western norms.
Japan is one of the countries where people sleep the least at night, averaging just 6 hours on weekdays. However, the Japanese practice what is known as inemuri, which involves unintentionally falling asleep in public places, at work, or on public transport. Inemuri, meaning "sleeping while being present," is socially accepted and allows people to nap without stigma.
Another sleep habit in Japan is that couples often sleep in separate beds. This tradition stems from the use of individual futons placed on the floor and stored away each morning. Even with the adoption of Western-style beds, this practice continues, especially to promote better sleep quality. Sleeping separately allows each person to follow their own rhythm, get up or go to bed without disturbing the other, and enjoy more restorative rest. This also applies to families with young children, where one parent may co-sleep with the child to ease nighttime routines. Contrary to common assumptions, this arrangement is not seen as a sign of emotional distance, but rather as a way to preserve harmony within the couple. Twin beds are therefore an ideal solution for balancing individual comfort with shared living.
In China, sleep is viewed through the lens of traditional medicine, which links the balance of energies (yin & yang) to sleep quality. Rituals such as consuming herbs like valerian root are believed to promote better sleep. These practices help people fall asleep more easily in your bed and enjoy restorative rest.
In India, sleep is closely tied to spirituality and inner balance, influenced by practices like yoga and Ayurveda. These traditions encourage nighttime routines that align with natural rhythms. Yoga and meditation include breathing and relaxation exercises that improve sleep quality, and certain poses or evening rituals are specifically recommended for better rest. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, considers sleep (nidra) one of the three pillars of health, alongside diet and energy management. It promotes a lifestyle and sleep schedule in harmony with nature — waking early, going to bed early, and following the sun's cycle.
b) Sleep Practices in Africa
In Africa, sleep is often closely tied to community and family. In many cultures, it's common for several family members to sleep together, reinforcing social bonds. Additionally, spiritual beliefs often surround sleep — it is seen as a time when the spirit can travel to the world of ancestors or other realms.
The same applies to the Maghreb, where bedtime is often a moment of gathering, with family members coming together to share stories or folktales. In some regions, it's common to light candles or use aromatic herbs to create a soothing atmosphere before curling up in bed for a restful night.
c) Sleep Practices in Latin America
In Latin America, sleep is more closely linked to daily rhythms, climate, and social conviviality, and less to spiritual dimensions. In many countries, heat and humidity influence sleep patterns, especially in rural areas, where siestas are common during the hottest hours of the day. Social life tends to happen later than in Northern Europe, with dinner often served late. As a result, sleep may be more fragmented and begin later in the evening.
In large cities, sleep routines are mostly shaped by modern constraints — work schedules, commuting, late hours, and vibrant nightlife all play a role in how and when people sleep.
d) Sleep Practices in Europe
In Europe, sleep has long been seen as a necessary moment of rest for both body and mind, but it has also evolved over time depending on historical and social contexts.
In Scandinavian countries, it's common for each person to have their own duvet, even when sharing a large double bed. This way, restless sleepers don't disturb their partner by pulling on the covers. Another benefit of this Nordic tradition is that each person enjoys their own level of warmth.
In Germany, following the same logic, couples often sleep in twin beds placed side by side, rather than on a single shared mattress. Each sleeper also has their own individual duvet and manages their comfort independently, helping to avoid nighttime conflicts.
In Spain and Italy, sleep rhythms tend to be later than in Northern Europe. This is partly due to the cultural tradition of taking a siesta after lunch, especially in southern regions where high temperatures are common. As a result, nighttime sleep is shorter, with people often going to bed between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Workdays also start later than in other European countries — sometimes around 10 a.m. which shifts the entire daily schedule, including lunch breaks.
Tips for Getting Quality Sleep
Across countries, sleep rituals and habits may differ, but a few universal tips can help ease the process of falling asleep and improve sleep quality.
First, limit screen time before bed and opt for a calming activity like reading, ideally accompanied by a herbal tea — chamomile, for example.
Next, investing in high-quality bedding is essential for restorative sleep. Choosing a premium mattress makes all the difference. The Mercure bed, with its hotel-grade quality and integrated mattress topper, offers deeply restful nights and energizing mornings. We also recommend using hotel-quality bed linen made from 100% cotton percale, which provides comfort, softness, and a refreshing feel throughout the night. For optimal support, it's best to choose pillows that adapt to the shape of your neck — whether filled with fiber or feathers. For targeted comfort, memory foam pillows adjust to pressure points and ensure proper cervical alignment. Promoting deep sleep, they're a great option for those seeking precise support and are especially recommended to reduce neck tension.
To complete your sleep setup, a cozy duvet — whether fiber-filled or feather-filled — will gently wrap you in warmth while ensuring breathability, essential for peaceful nights.
Whether you embrace the traditions of your culture or develop your own sleep habits, the key is to find a bedtime ritual that promotes restorative sleep.
By combining practices that suit your lifestyle with high-quality bedding, you can optimize your nights for everyday well-being. After all, quality sleep is the foundation of a successful day.
