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He highlighted seven major differences between Japanese and American sleep patterns, which caused everyone to re-evaluate their entire bedtime ritual.
In Japan, firm sleeping surfaces, such as futons on the floor, are still common. (Representative Image)
Sleep is a crucial component of overall health and well-being. It’s not just about feeling rested, but also about allowing your body and mind to repair, consolidate memories, and regulate various bodily functions. But have you ever noticed that sometimes you wake up feeling fresh even after just 6 hours of sleep and sometimes don’t even want to step out of your room after getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep too?
Recently, a former investment banker broke down why this happens. “You sleep 7 hours in Japan and wake up energised and healthy. In America, the same 7 hours leave you exhausted and reaching for coffee. And no one talks about why,” he wrote on X.
You sleep 7 hours in Japan and wake up energized and healthy.In America, the same 7 hours leaves you exhausted and reaching for coffee. And no one talks about why.
Here are 7 differences in how Japanese people sleep:
1. Average bedroom temperature: 55°F vs American 68-72°F pic.twitter.com/x7LEkdvOvI
— Jay McHale (@mchale_in_flow) July 14, 2025
He highlighted seven major differences between Japanese and American sleep patterns, which caused everyone to re-evaluate their entire bedtime ritual.
What’s the Difference?
Room Temperature:
He found that Americans maintain the temperature between 68 and 72°F (20 and 22°C), while people in Japan sleep in rooms that are typically about 55°F (13°C). Your deep sleep may be disrupted when the room is too warm, since your body will try to cool your core temperature. This implies that you are likely to wake up in the middle of the night and toss and turn. Cooler rooms help the body drop into deeper sleep faster.
Mattress
You might not have noticed, but the mattress you sleep on plays a crucial role in getting a good sleep. As per Jay, in the US, people use softer mattresses and that comfy feeling might be the reason you’re waking up with a stiff back or neck.
In Japan, firm sleeping surfaces, such as futons on the floor, are still common. These more rigid positions help to maintain proper posture and support the spine while you sleep.
Hot Bath
In Japan, people often take a warm bath before heading to bed. After soaking in warm water, the body temperature somewhat decreases and signals the brain that it’s time to sleep. Not just this, a warm bath also helps in relaxing muscles and removing stress.
Pillows
In Japan, sobakawa buckwheat pillows are used for sleeping. They are compact, strong, and incredibly helpful. The inside hulls adapt to the curves of your neck, maintaining the right alignment of your spine throughout the night. In comparison, many Americans use big, fluffy pillows that may feel good at first but frequently push their head forward, causing neck posture problems.
Limited Tech Use
The research discovered that in Japan, people are more mindful about how and when to use the smartphone and there are clear boundaries; No binge-watching or phone scrolling before bed.
But in the US, people tend to check their emails and Insta DMs before lights out. It’s overstimulating and messes with our ability to relax. Your brain stays wired long after you’ve set the phone down.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your sleep as it profoundly impacts both your physical and mental well-being.
About the Author
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…Read More
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha… Read More
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