Japan mattress firm holds contest to find the best sleeper, putting spotlight on sleep deprivation
Entrants who call themselves competitive sleepers vied to fall asleep fastest and rest best, reviving debate on overwork in Japan.
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A contest in which participants did not have to run, play or show strength is drawing attention in Japan these days. The competition was about sleeping, and it was organised by a mattress company.
The contest drew people who call themselves competitive sleepers. The challenge before the contestants was to fall asleep in the shortest possible time, sleep deeply and give the body the best rest.
In most contests, speed, strength or skill is valued. In this one, quietly falling asleep and resting the body was the skill. That set the contest apart from others, and people are now looking at it as an unusual subject.
The backdrop to the contest is the problem of sleep deprivation in Japan. Rising stress and hectic lives across the world are making lack of sleep a major problem. In Japan in particular, people who work hard and for long hours not getting enough sleep has become a matter of concern.
Japan is counted among the most hard-working countries in the world. Because of its corporate culture, long working hours and professional responsibilities, many people there cannot get full sleep. Many employees, under the burden of work, are unable to pay attention to their health and rest.
Lack of sleep affects physical and mental health. After a full day of work, complete rest is necessary to recover from fatigue. But in Japan's hectic life, sleep has become a major trouble for many people.
The contest has brought the question of work pressure and inadequate sleep back into discussion in Japan. It is being said that working continuously does not mean efficiency, and that the body also needs full rest. Without sleep, concentration drops, fatigue sets in and the capacity to work is affected.
In this context, the need for a balance between work and personal life is being pointed out. This is why the mattress company's contest is being talked about everywhere. The message going out is that sleep is not just a personal habit but is also linked to health.
