Japanese people sleep little but still have a long life expectancy; experts explain why.
Japanese people have a relatively short average sleep time compared to other countries. But sleeping fewer hours doesn’t necessarily mean poorer health
VietNamNet•13/10/2026
According to experts, healthy sleep habits depend not only on the duration but also on the quality and regularity of sleep. Most adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep each night
Data from the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that people in some Asian countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have shorter average sleep times
Despite sleeping less, the Japanese still live long and healthy lives
Dr. Seema Dhir, an Internal Medicine specialist at Artemis Hospital ( India ), said: “The average Japanese person sleeps about 6.5 hours, less than Indians and people in most other countries, but they still live longer and healthier lives.”
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Dr. Dhir offered several reasons why Japanese people live long lives:
A diet focused on fish and fermented foods: Japanese meals often include omega-3-rich fish, soy products like natto and miso, seaweed, and green tea. These foods have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and decreased inflammation. Omega-3s and tryptophan in fish and soy products promote melatonin—a substance that supports quality sleep
Active daily commuting: The majority of Japanese people walk to train stations and use public transportation every day, thus accumulating thousands of steps without needing to exercise
Taking a nap in public places: In Japan , it’s quite common to take short naps on trains or at work, helping to compensate for lost sleep
Soaking in a hot bath every night: This habit helps the body relax and sleep more soundly, meaning that even with a shorter sleep time, it can still provide good restorative effects
Dr. Dhir stated: “Someone who sleeps fewer hours but maintains a consistent sleep schedule and exercises regularly during the day may have better sleep health than someone who spends more time in bed but sleeps fitfully. Constant daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, loud snoring, frequent awakenings, and the need for stimulants to stay awake are all signs that you need to pay more attention to your sleep.”
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Sleep quality is crucial because a person might lie in bed for eight hours but frequently wake up, experience restless sleep, or suffer from untreated problems such as sleep apnea
In these cases, the body may not recover. Good sleep plays a crucial role in memory, the immune system, metabolism, mood, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health
In addition, overall health can be affected by diet, physical activity, stress, alcohol consumption, medical conditions, and habits
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