Nickerchen

Nickerchen is a German word for a short nap taken during the day. It denotes a brief period of sleep intended to restore wakefulness rather than a full night’s rest.

Etymology: The term combines nicken, meaning to nod, with the diminutive suffix -chen, conveying a small nap. It is used in everyday German and appears in dictionaries as a colloquial noun.

Common practice and duration: A Nickerchen is typically 5 to 20 minutes, sometimes longer but shorter than a full sleep cycle. Longer naps of 60 to 90 minutes can involve deeper sleep stages and may lead to sleep inertia on waking. Some people use the English term power nap for a brief nap in modern contexts.

Health considerations: Short naps can improve alertness, reaction time, and mood, and may reduce sleepiness during the day. They are generally safe for healthy adults, though frequent late-day napping can interfere with nighttime sleep for some individuals.

Cultural note: In German-speaking regions, Nickerchen is a familiar concept alongside Mittagsschlaf and Schläfchen; usage varies by region, work culture, and personal habits. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with the broader English “nap” or “siesta” in translation or when discussing cross-cultural practices.