Sleep – One of the most essential requirements for a healthy life is often taken for granted or neglected by most of the world. Many people try to maximize their productivity by increasing their “wakeful” time and cutting back on sleep. However, a good night’s sleep for an average of 7 hours is very important.
Japanese And Sleep
Recent studies and data collected from various sources have shown the Japanese sleep less than the average 7 to 7.5 hrs of sleep that is believed to be necessary. This is not because they wake up very early, but because they go to bed late. Though the Japanese are very well known for taking small naps on their long commutes in metros and other public transports, they still sleep less than the rest of the world.
Despite sleeping so little, how do the Japanese get enough rest to focus and achieve everything they do? It might have something to do with their sleeping habits.
Where Do They Sleep?
Japanese are known for sleeping on the floor. However, this does not mean the cold tiled floor but on mattresses laid out on the floor rather than the comfortable king and queen-sized beds commonly used in western countries.
The Japanese use Tatami mats on their floors. These can either be permanent or foldable, used at night and kept away during the day. The Japanese futon is also commonly used in bedding.
These futons are not very thick like the ones used in western countries. On the contrary, they are only three to four inches thick and are filled with cotton instead of regular foam. Today, many use Western-style pillows as they are less prickly and noisy when compared to traditional Japanese-style pillows.
Why Is This Recommended
Opting for a Japanese style of sleep arrangement can be very beneficial in many ways. Here are a few:
- Since the bedding can be folded and stored away when not in use, it takes up much less space than the permanent cots and mattresses used in other countries.
- The beds are not very thick, and cotton is much thinner than foam. Hence this provides a hard surface to sleep on when used on the floor. This offers good back support and does not cause various aches and soreness common with thick western mattresses.
- Co-sleeping with kids and other family members when one has guests is a common phenomenon in Japanese culture. With futons and other temporary beddings, several people can sleep in one room.
- These beds are easy to transport, be it for an outdoor vacation or just to change houses. One can always sleep in one’s bed and get a good night’s sleep anywhere.
Why Should We Adopt Their Sleep Habits
Adopting the habit of sleeping on the floor like the Japanese can do all of us some good.
- Sitting on chairs and beds has removed the need to sit on the floor or bend or legs and knees beyond a point. Our bodies have become stiff over time and will only worsen with more comfortable furniture finding its way into our homes.
- With a Japanese-style sleeping, one will have to get down on all fours before lying down and getting some rest.
- The need to put away the bedding will bring in the sense of discipline and help us tidy up after ourselves, from a very young age.
Buying that futon bed will improve your health, make your living space look bigger, and add to the aesthetics of your home.