Japan hosts sleep contest with 90-minute limit and ¥2 million prize

Dozens of individuals gathered in Tokyo on Monday for an unusual competition designed to identify the "best sleeper." The event was organized by a company specializing in sleep-related products, challenging participants to maximize their rest efficiency under specific conditions.

The rules of the sleep challenge

Contestants were required to lie down on comfortable mattresses in dimly lit environments. Each participant wore sensors to monitor their sleep patterns during the trial. Following simple instructions, they attempted to fall asleep for a maximum duration of 90 minutes. Some competitors brought along personal comfort items, such as favorite toys or sleep dolls, to aid relaxation.

The winner of the "best sleeper" title received a prize exceeding two million yen, equivalent to approximately $12,645. This substantial reward underscored the seriousness of the competition despite its unconventional nature.

Addressing national sleep deprivation

The creative director of the organizing firm, "Koala Sleep Japan," spoke to AFP about the motivation behind the event. He noted that Japan is frequently described as a country suffering from a lack of sleep, attributing this to the hardworking nature of its population. "I believe that holding an event like this can encourage people to sleep and generate greater interest in this topic," he stated.

Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 2021 highlights the urgency of this issue. According to these figures, the average daily sleep duration for Japanese citizens stands at seven hours and 24 minutes. This rate is the lowest among all member countries of the organization.

Experts attribute this widespread sleep deficit primarily to long working hours, exhausting commute times, and vibrant nightlife activities. These factors collectively contribute to the reduced rest periods observed across the nation.