The Himba, a semi-nomadic pastoralist group in Namibia, tend to have shorter and less efficient sleep compared to other groups studied. Men generally have lower sleep quality and shorter sleep than women, and this difference remains even when daytime naps are included in total sleep time.
Himba families often share sleeping spaces with many adults and children together. Livestock do not usually disturb their sleep, but lower sleep quality is linked to daily work and social activities, especially for men and young adults.
Studies show the Himba have some of the lowest average sleep durations and efficiency. The demands of their pastoral lifestyle and social activities affect their sleep quality.
Multiple adults and children often share sleeping spaces. Cultural practices like Okujepisa Omukazendu, where a wife may be offered to a male visitor for the night, can also affect sleeping arrangements and the woman’s sleep patterns.
Most Himba households have two or three generations living together. Each co-wife has her own hut where she sleeps with her young children. Older children often sleep together, while younger children usually sleep with their parents.
Men often wake up early to take cattle to graze and find water, while women get up early to make butter from sour milk left overnight. Morning tasks often differ between men and women, and age can also play a role.
Older men may stay at home until later in the day, while young men and teenage boys take care of herding livestock. In the evening, families gather again for milking and dinner.
After dark, it is common for families to sit around the fire, sing, and tell stories for many hours. It is also common for men to travel long distances at night to visit their other partners.