Each year in Spain, an eagerly anticipated competition takes place, offering participants the chance to win a modest yet meaningful prize of approximately 1,000 euros – which equates to a staggering Rs0.3 million in Pakistan.

In a bustling shopping mall just outside Madrid, competitors laid down on blue sofas, some in pajamas, others in their casual attire, all with the aim of winning a cash prize.

The world's first-ever sleeping competition, held in Spain in 2010, served as the catalyst for this quirky event. Its primary mission was to promote the benefits of napping, which have been proven to enhance metabolism and overall well-being.

This wasn't just any competition; it was Spain's innovative National Siesta Championship, an event dedicated to reviving the art of the siesta – country’s traditional daytime nap.

The competition, lasting two weeks during the siesta hours, became an annual tradition aimed at preserving the practice of siesta in the face of modern life's pace.

At the heart of this unique contest lies a simple yet fascinating challenge: to fall into a deep slumber for a mere 20 minutes.

I Nacional Championship of La Siesta

Contestants gather in a square booth at Islazul mall, each connected to a heart rate monitoring gadget.

A judge, perched on a lifeguard stand, keeps watch for signs of snoring, drooling, or amusing sleeping positions.

Points are awarded for each of these occurrences, as well as for sleeping attire that catches the eye.

The winner of each round pockets 30 euros, and their points advance to the winner's bracket. Ultimately, the competitor with the most overall points claims a grand prize exceeding 1,000 euros – a substantial reward for indulging in a midday nap.

According to Daniel Blanco, president of the National Association of Friends of the Siesta, "The modern life is a danger that we feel is against the siesta. When you sleep la siesta, everyone has the image that your life is calm, you have a good life. And then, modern life is a direct attack".

It's important to highlight that a 20-minute nap is considered an optimal duration for a quick post-lunch refresher as it provides an opportunity to experience some light sleep, which can enhance alertness without delving into deep sleep.

This break allowed people to eat, rest, and escape the heat, embracing a cultural and healthful practice.

Competitors in this remarkable championship are required to do what many dream of – fall asleep – and they do it amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping mall.

What is La Siesta?

"La Siesta" is a Spanish term that refers to the traditional practice of taking a short nap or rest during the early afternoon, typically after lunch.

It is a common tradition in many Spanish-speaking countries and some other Mediterranean and Latin American cultures. The word "siesta" itself comes from the Latin word "hora sexta," which means "sixth hour," and it originally referred to the sixth hour of the day counted from sunrise, which is roughly around noon.

During a siesta, people often take a break from their daily activities and relax for a brief period, usually ranging from 20 minutes to an hour or more, depending on individual preferences and cultural norms.

The purpose of the siesta is to recharge and refresh, especially during the hottest part of the day in regions with warm climates. It allows people to escape the heat and take a break from work or other responsibilities.

In some countries and regions, businesses and shops may close during the siesta hours, while in others, it has become less common due to changing work patterns and lifestyles.

What is the championship about?

The I Nacional Championship of La Siesta revolves around an intriguing concept. Participants are required to report to the designated stand at least one hour before their scheduled participation time.

This is because the organizers give a free meal to every participant to respect the concept of siesta.

How are the rounds structured?

Each day features a total of eight rounds, spanning from 12 noon to 7 in the evening. Every round is precisely 20 minutes in duration and accommodates five participants. A certified doctor will be present at the stand, equipped with instruments such as a pulsimeter, to ensure that participants genuinely fall asleep during their allocated time.

Following each round, prizes will be awarded to the first and second-place participants. Additionally, all five participants in each round will receive an official championship t-shirt as a token of participation.

How are scores determined?

Scores are based on several criteria, with the primary focus on the ability to fall asleep quickly. Participants earn 1,000 points for each minute spent asleep, and an additional 5,000 points if they manage to remain lying down for the full 20 minutes.

It's astonishing to think that such a simple act as falling asleep can lead to a substantial cash prize of €1,000. However, this unique competition's real reward lies in its mission: to bring back the time-honored tradition of post-lunch napping.