Health Japan marked "Autumn Sleep Day" on 3 September

Japan observed "Autumn Sleep Day" on 3 September, highlighting survey results that show the Japanese sleep less than people in any other developed nation. The day was introduced in 2011 by the Sleep Health Promotion Organisation, in collaboration with the Japanese Society of Sleep Research, to raise awareness about both the quality and quantity of sleep. The choice of 9/3 comes from a wordplay on gussuri ("soundly" asleep): the number nine can be read as gu (rather than the usual ku), and three as suri, forming the same sound as the word. Across the country, events and campaigns related to sleep awareness occur during the days surrounding Sleep Awareness Week, which continues until around 10 September, when it is promoted as "Sleep Health Week."

Data published by the OECD in 2021 showed that the average Japanese person sleeps 7 hours and 22 minutes, the shortest among the 30 OECD member countries. This chronic lack of sleep, often referred to as "sleep debt," has sparked worries about its potential impacts on health and the economy.

To raise awareness of the importance of sleep, the health ministry has published a document titled "Sleep Guide for Health Promotion 2023." On its website, it also provides five points for good sleep in both quality and length: 1) The working-age population should aim for at least six hours of sleep a night, while retirees should avoid staying in bed for more than eight hours; 2) Create a comfortable sleep environment by considering light, temperature and noise; 3) Maintain a moderate exercise routine, eat breakfast and avoid meals just before bedtime; 4) Limit caffeine, alcohol and smoking; and 5) Consult a specialist if you have concerns about your sleep.

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the average Japanese person sleeps 7 hours and 22 minutes

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I am happy to get five hours of sleep a night.