Japan's ministry of health and welfare has called on the public to sleep longer and better after two recent reports determined that Japanese people are not getting enough shut-eye. In 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development conducted a study that revealed Japanese people sleep an average of seven hours and 22 minutes a night. However, a separate report by researchers from the National University of Singapore and Finnish health technology company Oura Health Oy found that Japanese people only average 6.1 hours of sleep a night, less than test subjects from any of the other 34 countries studied. These findings are concerning as sleep deprivation can have serious consequences on our brain and body. [5d98d490]
Captains of industries like Tom Ford, Jack Dorsey, Indra Nooyi, Richard Branson, Jeff Immelt, and Bob Iger have claimed to get by on three to six hours of sleep per night. However, sleep deprivation has been linked to seven out of the 15 leading causes of death in the US. Reduced sleep duration has also been associated with cognitive function decline, metabolic health issues, memory problems, attention and concentration difficulties, and other brain function impairments. Additionally, sleep deprivation negatively affects our emotional state, putting us in a psychological state similar to anxiety. [5d98d490]
To address this issue, Japan's ministry of health and welfare is urging the public to prioritize sleep and get more rest. Sleep education for school-age children is also being emphasized. Experts recommend getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night, emphasizing the importance of both the length and quality of sleep. However, the societal reliance on a nine-to-five schedule and the 24/7 work culture make it challenging for individuals to prioritize sleep. A radical reappraisal of sleep and a shift in the perception that less sleep is acceptable are needed to promote better sleep habits. [5d98d490]
In addition to the impact of sleep deprivation on the general population, a new report from the Athens NEWS highlights the specific issue of sleep deprivation among students. The report states that nearly three-quarters of high school students do not get enough sleep on school nights. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teens sleep for eight to 10 hours per night. Factors hindering this include early school start times and shifts in adolescents' circadian rhythms. Insufficient sleep among adolescents is a public health crisis. [5d98d490]
In response to this crisis, legislation is being proposed to mandate that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:15 a.m. by the 2026-27 school year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pushing back school start times to 8:30 a.m. or later. Early school start times have been linked to poorer academic performance, lower attendance rates, and lower graduation rates. Sleep deprivation also has negative impacts on mental health, including an increased risk of suicide. Sleep deprivation is associated with impaired physical health, including higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and weakened immune function. [5d98d490]
A US epidemiologist explains that within overall healthy diet patterns, there are numerous foods and nutrients that may be linked to quality of sleep. Research shows that healthier overall dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, are associated with better sleep quality and fewer insomnia symptoms. Foods such as tart cherries, fiber-rich foods, and certain protein sources are also linked to better sleep. On the other hand, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and caffeine can negatively affect sleep. The timing and consistency of eating, as well as gender differences, can also impact sleep quality. [5d98d490]
Gen Z, the youngest generation, is increasingly prioritizing sleep and going to bed early. Many young people, particularly Gen Z, are going to bed at 9pm to get a good nine hours of sleep. This trend is growing on TikTok, with many young people agreeing that going to bed early is the new thing. A study shows that Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to prioritize getting enough sleep. Early bedtimes in youth have been supported by evidence, as it can lead to higher sleep efficiency and better development of the body and brain. Gen Z's shift towards prioritizing sleep is seen as cool and beneficial. [5d98d490]
Sydney restaurants are experiencing a trend of diners eating earlier, with many preferring to eat at 6pm or even earlier. This shift in dining habits is attributed to factors such as the cultural shift caused by COVID lockdowns, the lack of late-night places in Sydney, and the industry's encouragement of earlier sittings. Data from restaurant booking platforms show that 6pm is the most popular time for dining out, and 5pm has seen the largest year-on-year growth. Restaurateurs like Maurice Terzini and Nick Hildebrandt have observed the trend and believe it is driven by the changing habits of Sydneysiders, who now go to bed earlier and prefer to eat out earlier. However, some, like Attila Yilmaz, feel that Sydney should embrace the European style of dining later. Overall, the trend of eating early has become a habit for many Sydneysiders, especially those who became adults during the COVID pandemic. [5d98d490]
In addition to the importance of sleep, a recent article from the South China Morning Post discusses strategies for managing jet lag after long flights. Jet lag disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to fatigue and focus issues. Symptoms can appear within a day or two after crossing two time zones. Sleep expert Alison Jones emphasizes the importance of sleep for recovery, noting that staying asleep is crucial to avoid toxin accumulation. Tips for overcoming jet lag include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, using a good-quality pillow, and getting natural light exposure. Gradually adjusting the sleep schedule by waking up earlier each day is also recommended to help reset the body's internal clock. [e6ceac5f]
The findings from these reports highlight the struggles of sleep deprivation and long working hours, and the urgent need for individuals, schools, and society as a whole to prioritize sleep for better health and well-being. Delayed school start times, a shift in societal attitudes towards sleep, and effective jet lag management are crucial steps towards addressing these issues and promoting a healthier future. [5d98d490]