Self-described elite “competitive sleepers” competed to nap the fastest and deepest in a Tokyo contest organised by a mattress company.
Dubbed “Matt Race”, the competition saw dozens of participants fitted with sleep-tracking devices lie on mattresses for up to 90 minutes on Monday, competing for a top prize of over two million yen ($14,000).
“Japan is often described as a country suffering from sleep deprivation, and people here are very diligent,” said Riichiro Nakama, creative director at organiser Koala Sleep Japan.
Inside a dimly lit room, participants slept with monitors attached to their heads, some cradling stuffed toys.
“By turning it into an event like this, I think we can get people to sleep together, raise interest in sleep,” Nakama said.
OECD data showed in 2021 that Japanese people slept an average seven hours and 24 minutes a day, the least among OECD nations. Experts cited long working and commuting hours and a busy nightlife economy as contributing factors.
“It was over in an instant. I almost wish I could have slept a little longer,” participant Chisato Honda, 32, told AFP.
“It was a happy competition,” he added.
The winner was chosen based on how quickly and soundly they slept.
“I want to live on my own, so I think I’ll use the money for the moving costs,” said winner Suimii, who gave only her nickname.
“I also want a bed like a princess’s, so I think I’ll buy that bed.” — AFP
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