Japan holds first ‘competitive sleeping’ contest

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Published: 2026-10-06T10:26:36.583Z • Permanent link

Japan's sleeping habits are under scrutiny once again, this time for a new contest that aims to encourage people to snooze for longer. The contest, which took place at Tokyo's Hotel Gajoen last month, was organized by the Japan Sleep Research Association and the Tokyo Sleep Society. The event drew in over 100 participants, who competed to see who could sleep the longest without waking up. The winner, a 25-year-old Tokyo resident, managed to snooze for an impressive 36 hours and 12 minutes.

The contest was seen as a response to Japan's well-documented sleep deprivation problem. According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the average Japanese person sleeps for just 6.7 hours per night, compared to 7.7 hours for Americans and 8.1 hours for Canadians. The Japanese government has taken steps to address the issue, including introducing measures to reduce working hours and promote sleep hygiene. However, more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of the problem.

The contest has sparked debate about the potential benefits of sleep deprivation. Some experts argue that sleep deprivation can improve cognitive function and boost productivity, while others claim that it can have serious negative consequences for health and well-being. The Japan Sleep Research Association has taken a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of getting enough sleep for overall health and well-being.

The impact of sleep deprivation is far-reaching, affecting not just individuals but also companies and industries. For example, research by the National Sleep Foundation found that sleep deprivation can lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and reduced job satisfaction. In Japan, where sleep deprivation is already a major issue, this could have significant consequences for the economy and society as a whole. Companies such as Toyota and Honda have already taken steps to promote sleep hygiene, including introducing nap rooms and flexible work arrangements.

The contest has also sparked interest in the research community, with some experts calling for more studies on the benefits and drawbacks of sleep deprivation. The National Sleep Foundation has announced plans to conduct a large-scale study on the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and productivity. The study is expected to shed new light on the complex relationship between sleep and productivity.

The concept of sleep deprivation is not unique to Japan. In the United States, for example, sleep deprivation is a major issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that over 30 million adults suffer from chronic sleep deprivation. However, the approach to addressing the issue differs significantly between the two countries. In Japan, the focus has been on promoting sleep hygiene and reducing working hours, while in the US, there has been a greater emphasis on individual responsibility and self-regulation.