Sieste vs. somme
Both 'sieste' and 'somme' are French words that can be translated into English as 'nap', but they convey slightly different nuances and usage in the context of a short period of sleep.
Sieste
A 'sieste' refers specifically to a short sleep or rest, typically taken during the day, especially early afternoon. It is a word that often connotes relaxation and recuperation.
Après le déjeuner, je fais toujours une petite sieste pour recharger mes batteries.
(After lunch, I always take a short nap to recharge my batteries.)
Les enfants font une sieste à l'école maternelle après le déjeuner.
(The children take a nap at kindergarten after lunch.)
Il est courant dans de nombreux pays chauds de faire la sieste pendant les heures les plus chaudes de la journée.
(It's common in many hot countries to take a siesta during the hottest hours of the day.)
Somme
While 'somme' also means a short period of sleep, it is less specific than 'sieste' and doesn't carry the same connotation of daytime or afternoon rest. It can be used more generally for any brief sleep without implying a time of day.
Elle a sombré dans un somme avant que son réveil ne sonne.
(She slipped into a nap before her alarm went off.)
Pendant le vol long-courrier, j'ai réussi à faire un petit somme pour passer le temps.
(During the long-haul flight, I managed to get in a little nap to pass the time.)
Après le travail épuisant, il a fait un somme sur le canapé avant de continuer sa soirée.
(After the exhausting work, he took a nap on the couch before continuing his evening.)
Summary
In summary, while both 'sieste' and 'somme' refer to naps, 'sieste' is more commonly used for planned daytime rests, especially post-lunch, and is associated with intentional relaxation routines in various cultures. On the other hand, ‘somme’ is versatile and can refer to any short sleep or dozing off regardless of the time or intentionality behind it. Both terms reflect the French appreciation for restful pauses in daily life but offer different shades of meaning for those brief reprieves from wakefulness.