Sleeping habits around the world
Despite all of our individual differences, there are some things that are the same the world over, including the need to sleep.
Without enough top-quality shut-eye, we set ourselves up for increased stress, impaired judgement, weight gain, and even potentially life-threatening illnesses. Yet what constitutes the ‘best’ way to manage your sleep schedule varies hugely depending on where you are in the world. In other words, when it comes to sleep: it ain’t what we do, it’s the way that we do it.
Sleeping statistics that hit home
In the UK, we’re all about a nice cup of tea. But the extra caffeine in our comfort cuppa could be keeping us awake, as research has shown that just 15% of British sleepers are getting enough ‘good’ sleep. We’re said to love sleeping naked, yet some studies have indicated that only around a third of Britons actually strip off for the night. However, there could be some benefits the rest of us are missing out on, like clearer skin, better circulation and regulated temperature.
If it’s overheating you’re worried about, our Simba Hybrid® Duvet with temperature-regulating Stratos® might be just the ticket.
Sleep in Japan
Japan, meanwhile, is much more grounded - literally. Traditionally, straw tatami mats were topped with a futon mattress. This style of bed is easier to move around and rearrange, and there is evidence to suggest it can improve back pain. (But did you know the Simba Hybrid can also be used on the floor?) Another custom is getting remarkably little sleep overnight, with the average Tokyo resident clocking up five hours and 45 minutes of slumber - significantly less than the recommended seven to nine.
On the other hand, Japanese sleeping patterns include power-napping anywhere and everywhere - even in the office - to make up for lost time. This custom is known as ‘inemuri’, meaning ‘to be asleep whilst present’, and is seen as evidence of working ha