Beyond Thickness: Unveiling the Art of Sleep in Japanese Culture with nishikawa

Sleep has been a vital biological process for many centuries, allowing individuals to recuperate after a stressful day at work. But despite being a natural phenomenon, the way people sleep is heavily impacted by their culture in various aspects. This affects the amount of time people sleep throughout the night and some other factors related to sleeping, including mattress size, materials, and thickness.

One prominent society that shows how different people sleep around the world is the Japanese culture, showing unique approaches to slumber. Compared to American standards, Japanese people tend to have a shorter ideal amount of sleep and don’t usually use a bed frame as they sleep on the floor.

While the Japanese way of sleeping is far different from those of the West, adopting their practices can have significant benefits to many people, especially those looking for a night of quality sleep. This is highlighted by Nishikawa’s thinner, breathable mattress solutions, which still provide the necessary comfort and support to all types of sleepers.

The Cultural Importance of Sleep in Japan

Sleep has long been an integral part of Japanese culture, with it being closely connected to the spiritual and religious beliefs of many early Japanese people. Sleeping has been viewed as a dedicated time for healing and restoration of both the physical and spiritual health back then, contributing to the maintenance of one’s longevity and well-being.

Various Japanese cultural practices have been linked to how the locals sleep, including:

• Chanoyu or Sadō (Tea Ceremony) – The meditative nature of Japanese tea ceremonies is rooted in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Doing this helps sleepers relax and prepare their minds for a restful night of sleep.
• Bedtime Stretching – One of the most common bedtime rituals in Japan is to do stretching exercises before going to sleep. This reduces the likelihood of physical discomfort and restlessness during sleep.
• Mindfulness – This practice has been ingrained in Japanese culture for a long time, involving being fully present at the moment and letting go of distractions. This creates a peaceful mental environment before bedtime and promotes a more peaceful slumber.

The Role of Futon in Japanese Sleep Culture

Probably one of the most prominent differences in Japanese sleep culture is their bedding system, as Japanese people usually sleep on the floor instead of using bed frames. This system involves a thin Japanese mattress, generally referred to as shikibuton, laid out directly on the floor and designed to be lightweight and easy to store.

While this is a common practice in Japan and other parts of Asia, it directly challenges the bedding approach in the West, where most people believe that thicker mattresses equate to better quality. This is why, for Americans or Europeans visiting Japan, the futon bedding system will definitely come as a surprise. However, they will soon find out that it is a rewarding experience after a long day of traveling.

Benefits of Futon Bedding

• Space Efficiency: One of the prime advantages of the futon bedding approach is that it allows people to maximize the space in their bedrooms. This is especially important for those who have limited space in their properties, primarily since living spaces in bigger cities nowadays are becoming more compact than ever.
• Portability: Apart from giving people optimal space efficiency, futon mattresses are usually very easy to transport. For individuals living in compact spaces, they can easily pack their beds in the morning and use the space for other essential activities. And for those who like to travel, the portability of futon beds enables travelers to have the best mattress wherever they are.
• Ease of Maintenance: It is no secret that thick mattresses accumulate a significant amount of dirt over time due to dust, pet dander, and sweat, making them harder to clean. In contrast, futon bedding only requires minimal maintenance efforts to keep it clean and in good condition, saving people much time in the long run.

The nishikawa Advantage

While there are many mattress manufacturers worldwide to choose from, going for quality and trusted manufacturers like nishikawa can be a game changer for many households. nishikawa has been in the industry for more than 450 years, providing the best sleeping solutions in Japan and neighboring countries.

Drawing inspiration from Japan’s futon bedding system, we entered the American market, bringing one of the most innovative solutions ever. Our line of AiR performance mattresses might seem thinner compared to what people are used to. However, they can still provide optimal comfort and support that would provide sleep beyond ideals.

The AiR 01 Mattress

One of our premiere mattresses, the AiR 01 Mattress, is made with a unique three-dimensional structure designed to deepen sleep and enhance the dispersion of body pressure. Its 1200 points efficiently disperse stress in various pressure points, mitigating neck and back pain in the morning. It also features 36 ventilation crossholes and reflex foam, which ensures optimal breathability compared to mainstream mattresses.

It is also only 3.15 inches thick, making it extra versatile and flexible compared to the average mattress. This means it can work well as a standalone bed or as a mattress topper to enhance comfort while also providing sleepers with a portable and flexible mattress without taking up too much space in the bedroom.

Conclusion

With cultures starting to cross borders in a highly connected world, adopting new practices from other cultures can be highly beneficial for many sleepers. Investing in thinner mattresses inspired by Japan’s futon beds might raise some eyebrows, and it can help many Americans achieve optimal comfort without compromising quality.

Read More: Choosing a Mattress Size: How Room Size and Sleeping Habits Play a Role