skip to content
Sleep health depends on more than the number of hours spent in bed, with quality and regularity also playing an important role. (Image Source: Pexels)
Healthy sleeping habits depend on the duration, quality, and regularity of sleep. Most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep, though the amount varies from person to person. Some people may do well on a little less sleep, while others require more to feel rested and stay healthy
Data from the National Library of Medicine also show that reported sleep duration varies across nations, with Asians (e.g., Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) sleeping, on average, less than people in other nations
Additionally, as per a report by calendar-uk.co.uk, “A survey conducted in 2021 showed people in Japan slept on average 471 minutes per night, equaling about seven hours and 51 minutes. The average sleeping time on weekdays was slightly lower.”
However, despite sleeping less, Japanese people live healthier lives
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine
Why Japan can be healthier despite shorter sleep
We asked an expert to know more
Dr Seema Dhir, Unit Head & Sr. Consultant – Internal Medicine, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, says, “Japan averages about 6.5 hours of sleep, which is less than India and most countries, yet its people live longer and healthier lives.”
Here are some of the reasons she cited:
- Diet centred on fish and fermented foods: Japanese meals are built around fish rich in omega-3, as well as soy products like natto and miso, seaweed and green tea, which are linked to lower heart disease and inflammation. Omega-3 and tryptophan in fish and soy boost melatonin, which helps improve sleep quality.
- Active daily commuting: Most Japanese people walk to train stations and take public transport every day, racking up thousands of steps without formal exercise.
- Public napping: In Japan, it is socially acceptable to take a short nap on a train or even at work to make up for lost sleep.
- Nightly ofuro bathing: Soaking in a hot bath before bed relaxes the body and deepens sleep, making fewer hours more restorative.
A consistent sleep schedule, physical activity and a healthy diet can all contribute to better overall sleep health. (Image Source: Pexels)
Looking beyond the number of hours
It’s not the length of your sleep that counts for health. According to Dr Dhir, “Someone who sleeps fewer hours but feels refreshed in the morning, maintains a consistent schedule and functions well during the day may have better sleep health than someone who spends more time in bed but has fragmented and poor-quality sleep.”
She stresses the importance of lifestyle, as well as sleep, and how overall health can be affected by diet, physical activity, stress, alcohol intake, medical conditions and daily routines
The better question is not just, “How many hours did you sleep?” It is also, “Was your sleep restful, regular and enough for your body?
“Spending five hours or nine hours in bed, constant daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating, loud snoring, frequent awakenings and the need for stimulants to stay alert can all be signs that the quality of your sleep needs attention,” Dr Dhir adds
Sleep quality matters because a person may be in bed for eight hours but wake up frequently, sleep lightly and have untreated problems such as sleep apnea
In such cases, the body may not receive enough restorative sleep. Good sleep is important for memory, immunity, metabolism, mood, blood pressure and heart health
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
- Nana Patekar Death Updates: Jackie Shroff, Eknath Shinde attend funeral; Amitabh Bachchan pays tribute1 hour ago
- US-Iran War Live News Updates: ‘Material damage’ reported in Riyadh after missile interception2 hours ago
- Nobel Prize in Literature 2026 Live Updates: ‘I think you’re all insane,’ Anne Carson reacts to win2 hours ago
- By-Elections 2026 Highlights: TN’s Madurantakam tops bypoll turnout at 83.86%, Bengal’s Nandigram records 79.39% until 5 PM12 hours ago
- Supreme Court seeks Election Commission response to plea against chief Gyanesh Kumar after Express investigation2 days ago
