Despite what denialists try to tell us, we are all experiencing the real-term effects of global warming, with temperatures already breaking records in many places so far this year, but for German workers, there may be a slight benefit, in that doctors are starting to suggest they take a siesta.
The siesta is one of the most typical customs in Spain. It is something exclusive to the territory. So much so that in other countries they never have the habit of taking a nap. Now, those responsible for Public Health in Germany have suggested copying this habit and implementing siestas during work hours during the summer months.
“We should take an example from the working practices of southern countries when it’s hot. Getting up early, working productively in the morning and taking a nap at noon is a concept we should adopt in the summer months,” said the president of the German Association of Physicians of Public Health Services (BVÖGD, for its acronym in German), Johannes Niessen.
In this sense, the specialist has suggested adopting the siesta, known in countries like Spain, as a method to deal with the heat because, as he explained, “when the heat is intense, people are not as efficient as usual.” “Sleeping poorly due to hot nights also causes concentration problems,” he added.
According to the doctor, it is advisable to carry out work that entails a greater demand during the first hours of the morning. Likewise, he has stressed the importance of light clothing to avoid heat, even if the company does not allow it. “Sufficient fans and lighter clothing are needed, even if the office dress code doesn’t allow it,” he said.
On the other hand, he has stressed the importance of drinking much more and eating light food in several smaller portions throughout the day. “A cold foot bath under the desk would also be a way to cool off during teleworking hours,” said Niessen.
The recommendation comes in a hot period in Germany. The German meteorological service forecast maximum temperatures of 24 degrees in the north at the beginning of this week and levels dropping below 20 degrees along the North Sea. The maximum was forecast to be reached in the south, with between 28 and 27 degrees.
Even hotter than normal, with temperatures as much as 15 degrees higher than normal in places, Spain also adopted extra measures to deal with the heat, which for workers meant an exemption from working if the temperature reaches a certain point, which is however variable depending on where in the country you are. It only applies to outdoor workers though.
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