Sleep contest aims to save the siesta

Some clutched pillows or stuffed animals, others fought back giggles as they sought to take a siesta in public. Amid the bustle of a shopping mall yesterday, people took part in what was billed as Spain's first siesta competition. The goal is to promote Spain's cherished post-lunch nap.

Contestants in the nine-day event had 20 minutes to snooze on sofas, timed by a doctor with a pulse-measuring device.