Why 7 Hours Of Sleep Feels Better In Japan Than In The US
He highlighted seven major differences between Japanese and American sleep patterns, which caused everyone to re-evaluate their entire bedtime ritual.
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.
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:
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.
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
No help from home, ailing Japan scholar shifted from pvt hosp to MCH after a month
1 2 3 Kolkata: A Japanese national fell severely ill while on a visit to Kolkata to deliver a lecture at an institute a month ago. He was admitted to a private hospital where he was treated for a month before being shifted to Medical College Kolkata on Thursday after repeated attempts to contact his kin in Japan failed. Seventy-five-year-old Micihihiro Kata, a writer and researcher, has multiple complications and was transferred from the private hospital after no one came forward either to foot his bill or travel to Kolkata to be with him. It was revealed that Kata lives alone. On June 25, Kata was admitted to Manipal Hospital Dhakuria with complaints of shortness of breath. He visited Kolkata to deliver a lecture at an event in J Krishnamurthy Foundation. The patient was initially put on non-invasive ventilation, later intubated electively, and put on mechanical ventilation. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Kata then underwent a sustained low-efficiency dialysis after consultation with a nephrologist. He had issues with his kidney and Besides dialysis, the septuagenarian was also given blood transfusions as his haemoglobin count was persistently low. An endoscopy revealed narrowing of the second part of the duodenum due to 'extrinsic compression noted with nodular mucosa and metallic stent noted coming out of the papilla'. Kata was taken off ventilation on June 28 and underwent dialysis on July 1. He was advised alternate day dialysis, which he initially refused but agreed to after counselling. "He remains anuric. He also is having abdominal pain, for which he underwent tomography of the whole abdomen on July 21 followed by a session of haemodialysis. He is maintaining his vitals and having no requirement of supplemental oxygen," said a statement from the hospital. Efforts to contact his family, however, revealed that there was no one in his family to fly down and be with Kata. The Kolkata chapter of J Krishnamurthy Foundation wrote several emails to the Japanese consulate in Kolkata, the Japanese embassy in New Delhi, and the state govt seeking help for Kata but got no response. "We have heard that consulate officials visited him in hospital but we are not aware if they have taken charge of his treatment or are making arrangements to send him back to Japan," said Kamal Thacker, in charge of the Kolkata chapter. Manipal informed the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC) before Kata was eventually moved to Medical College Kolkata. "The hospital has informed us about the move," said a WBCERC functionary.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Angiogram shows normal values'
Chennai: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday underwent a diagnostic angiogram at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. The results of the procedure were normal and Stalin was expected to resume his routine in two days, said a medical bulletin from the hospital's Director of Medical Services, Dr Anil B G. Stalin was admitted to the hospital on Monday after he complained of giddiness. The bulletin stated that various investigations were conducted for symptoms related to giddiness. "The investigations revealed that the symptoms were due to variations in heart rate. Based on the opinion of a medical experts committee led by interventional cardiologist Dr G Sengottuvelu, he (Stalin) underwent a therapeutic procedure this morning (Thursday) to correct these variations. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The diagnostic angiogram done today was normal. Stalin is healthy and is expected to resume his normal routine in two days," the bulletin said. Earlier, DMK general secretary Duraimurugan visited the hospital to inquire about the CM's health. Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Duraimurugan said that the angiogram test has shown that Stalin was normal. He said the doctors will officially inform the date of his discharge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Meanwhile, TVK president Vijay wished Stalin a speedy recovery. "I wish honourable chief minister M K Stalin to recover soon and resume his duties," Vijay said in a social media post. TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai also visited the hospital. Selvaperunthagai said the CM will return home soon thanks to wishes of people of Tamil Nadu. "Stalin has done several good things for the people, and people have great expectations from him," he said. Though Selvaperunthagai could not see Stalin in person, he spoke to doctors who informed him that the CM was fine. Stalin reviewed the progress of the ongoing 'Ungaludan Stalin' programme on Wednesday. He spoke to a few collectors and the public through video conference to get an update on the programme.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Trump asks Supreme Court to approve cuts to health grants tied to diversity
The Trump administration urged the US Supreme Court to allow it to carry out major funding cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, arguing that current diversity-related programmes are 'undisputedly counter to the administration's priorities.'The move is the latest in President Donald Trump's ongoing push to reduce federal spending and eliminate government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives — including those related to biomedical research and transgender Justice Department filed an emergency request to the court, seeking to lift a June order by U.S. District Judge William Young in Boston. That ruling blocked the administration's plan and ordered the government to restore access to more than $783 million in NIH grant funding. The lawsuit was brought by researchers and 16 Democratic-led states, led by Massachusetts. In its filing, the Justice Department argued that the district court's injunction forces the government to 'continue paying $783 million in federal grants that are undisputedly counter to the administration's priorities.'The NIH, considered the world's largest biomedical research funder, has come under increasing pressure since Trump's return to the presidency in January. Critics say his administration's broad effort to dismantle diversity and health equity programs is politicizing science and jeopardizing public health.'The cuts harm the health of Americans and people across the globe,' warned an open letter signed in June by dozens of NIH scientists and staff. The signatories accused the agency of turning its back on inclusive research and of being complicit in 'a political agenda that undermines evidence-based health policy.'The Trump administration has frequently turned to the Supreme Court — now dominated by a 6-3 conservative majority — to clear legal roadblocks to its sweeping policy changes. So far, the high court has largely sided with the administration on most contested issues since request in the NIH case could have long-term consequences for government-funded research programs, particularly those aimed at addressing racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ disparities in health ruling came in two lawsuits challenging the cuts. One was filed by the American Public Health Association, individual researchers and other plaintiffs who called the cuts an "ongoing ideological purge" of projects with a purported connection to gender identity, DEI "or other vague, now-forbidden language." The other was filed by the states, most of them Democratic-led.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersMust Watch
