Child sleep in Japan perspective: based on the experience during these 10 years

ABSTRACT Although sleep is known to be the primary activity of the brain especially during early stage of life, the condition of child sleep has been unfavourable in Japan. In 2000, nearly half of young children in Japan were reported to go to sleep at 10 pm or later. In 2002, we designed a web site for promoting an early bedtime and wake-up time, and for providing sufficient sleep duration for children in Japan. We also have been asked to join the nationwide campaign to have an early bedtime and wake-up time, and to have breakfast, organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. In addition, we have worked together with many local governments throughout Japan including Tokyo metropolitan to support this campaign. In 2010, the rate of young children in Japan who went to sleep at 10 pm or later was found to have decreased by 30%. We report here on our activity to promote better sleeping habits and discuss the perspective of child sleep in Japan.