Sleep in Japan and the World

Sleep is essential for maintaining both physical health and mental performance, yet in modern society it is often treated as a luxury rather than a necessity. Personally, I usually sleep around 7 hours per night. While this seems sufficient, factors such as academic pressure, noise, social media, and overthinking can reduce the quality of my sleep. This highlights how modern lifestyles affect not only how long we sleep, but also how well we rest.

In Japan, sleep patterns are strongly influenced by demanding work culture. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Japanese people average about 7 hours and 22 minutes of sleep, one of the lowest among developed countries (as cited in Mainichi Shimbun, 2025). Long working hours and overtime often lead to sleep deprivation. Documentary evidence further suggests that some workers sleep significantly less, sometimes only a few hours per night, due to these demanding schedules (Free High-Quality Documentaries, 2018). As a result, the concept of 'inemuri', sleeping in public places such as trains or even offices, has become widely accepted. In addition, some companies in Japan are responding to this issue by developing products and services to improve sleep quality, such as adjustable pillows, specialized pajamas, and even capsule hotels that monitor and analyze sleep patterns (FRANCE 24 English, 2024). This shows how Japan adapts to sleep deprivation through both cultural practices and innovative solutions. 

In contrast, Brunei demonstrates a relatively more balanced and relaxed lifestyle. Standard working hours are typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing individuals to have sufficient rest and personal time after work. Compared to Japan, there is generally less emphasis on overtime, and many people are able to maintain more consistent sleep schedules. Public napping is also less common, as most individuals rely on private transportation (car) and prefer resting at home. This suggests that sleep in Brunei is more structured, private, and protected, reflecting cultural values that emphasize well-being and work-life balance rather than long working hours. 

On a global level, sleep deprivation is becoming increasingly common due to factors such as stress, academic pressure, and the widespread use of technology. Studies show that a significant portion of the global population struggles with insufficient sleep, with up to 45% of people not getting enough sleep (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Although different countries respond differently, Japan through napping culture and innovation and Brunei through more structured routines, the importance of sleep remains universal. Therefore, individuals should develop healthier sleep habits, such as maintaining regular sleep schedules, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.

In conclusion, sleep is a universal human need, but the way people experience and manage it varies across cultures. Japan demonstrates how demanding work environments can lead to sleep deprivation, resulting in unique adaptations such as 'inemuri' and sleep-related innovations. In contrast, Brunei reflects a more balanced lifestyle that supports consistent and private rest. Despite these differences, the global rise in sleep deprivation highlights the importance of prioritizing healthy sleep habits. Thus, maintaining good sleep is essential for long-term health, well-being, and daily performance.



References

FRANCE 24 English. (2024, November 14). Inemuri: The art of sleeping in public in Japan [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdnydl4QGHs

Free High-Quality Documentaries. (2018, December 17). The incredible sleeping habits of the Japanese | Full documentary [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvQGatTsprU

Mainichi Shimbun. (2025). ‘Sleep Day’ arrives in Japan as global figures show country’s low sleep hours. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250903/p2a/00m/0na/052000c

McKinsey & Company. (2021). Sleep on it: Addressing the sleep-loss epidemic through technology. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/sleep-on-it-addressing-the-sleep-loss-epidemic-through-technology 

Comments

  1. EleenApril 27, 2026 at 11:16 PM

    Yes, although for the average sleep in Japan based on my research i found that the Japanese sleep for about 6 hours or less, so that may be due to the differences in the year that we researched

    ReplyDelete
  2. 2026 Elvina's BlogApril 27, 2026 at 11:17 PM

    I like that you mention sleep deprivation, I find that many people or countries do not take it seriously and it will tarnish one's mental and physical health greatly if not taken care of accordingly.

    ReplyDelete

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