Poor Sleep Habits Aren't Just an American Problem

The Japanese get the least sleep of all major countries, so much so that there’s a flourishing market to help people in this sleep-deprived nation fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

On average, the Japanese sleep almost an hour and half less than Americans, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Researchers attribute this to long commute times, long work hours and a culture that does not emphasize the importance of sleep.

Sleep has now become a billion-dollar industry in Japan, catering to those looking for help improving their quality of sleep, even if they still don't get as many hours as they would like. The latest "sleep tech" products here go beyond the usual aids like eye masks or comfortable pillows — think smart beds and gadgets that create ideal environments for power naps.

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