1. Why Are Japanese Mothers Sleep-Deprived?
Japanese mothers are known to have one of the shortest sleep durations globally. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the average sleep time for Japanese people is about 7 hours and 22 minutes, which is more than one hour shorter than the OECD average of 8 hours and 24 minutes. Furthermore, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reports that 42.1% of Japanese women sleep less than 6 hours per night, and the percentage is even higher for mothers of young children.
International comparisons reveal that sleep deprivation among Japanese mothers is particularly severe:
- Japan: Average 6–7 hours
- United States: 7.5–8 hours
- France: More than 8 hours
These statistics highlight the extreme sleep deprivation experienced by Japanese mothers compared to their counterparts in other developed nations.
2. Causes of Sleep Deprivation Among Japanese Mothers
1. The Burden of Solo Parenting (One-Parent Household Syndrome)
In Japan, the burden of childcare and household chores falls disproportionately on mothers. With more dual-income households, mothers are expected to balance work and childcare responsibilities. After finishing work, they must take care of their children, cook meals, clean the house, and manage household tasks, leaving little time for rest.
2. Overloaded Schedules and Social Expectations
Many Japanese mothers have packed schedules, including PTA activities, picking up and dropping off children at extracurricular activities, and preparing meals. Additionally, societal pressure to be a “perfect mother” leads many women to sacrifice their personal time and sleep for their children.
3. The Full-Time vs. Part-Time Work Dilemma
When I worked full-time outside the home, I struggled to keep up with housework. However, working part-time did not provide enough income. Raising children is expensive, and without a sufficient household income, financial stability is difficult. Yet, despite working, mothers still bear the majority of housework and childcare responsibilities, exacerbating their sleep deprivation.
4. Lower Happiness Levels of Japanese Mothers
Studies indicate that Japanese mothers report lower happiness levels compared to single women and mothers in other countries. Economic stress, an excessive workload from household chores and childcare, and a lack of social support all contribute to a scenario where motherhood is not always associated with happiness.
5. Japan’s Culture of Prioritizing Work Over Sleep
Japan has a deeply ingrained culture of sleep deprivation. The idea of “sacrificing sleep to work harder” is widespread, and this extends to parenting. Many believe that it is natural for mothers to prioritize their children over their own well-being, which further contributes to the lack of sleep among mothers.
When comparing to other countries:
- Nordic countries emphasize a shared responsibility for childcare, with higher participation from fathers.
- The United States has seen an increase in remote work, helping parents balance work and childcare.
- France provides comprehensive childcare services that reduce the burden on mothers.
3. Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Mothers
1. Negative Health Impacts
Chronic sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, weakened immune systems, and hormonal imbalances, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. When mothers’ health deteriorates, the entire household is affected.
2. Decline in Parenting Quality
Lack of sleep results in reduced concentration, increased irritability, and lower patience levels, affecting interactions with children. When mothers are exhausted, the overall atmosphere in the household can become stressful.
3. Impact on Work and Social Life
For working mothers, sleep deprivation affects productivity, leading to more mistakes and increased stress. This can create a negative cycle where stress at work affects home life and vice versa.
4. How to Improve Sleep for Japanese Mothers
1. Rethinking Household Chores and Childcare Distribution
Encouraging fathers to take a more active role in housework and childcare is essential. Seeking help from grandparents and utilizing local childcare services can also help alleviate the burden.
2. Prioritizing Personal Time
Even short relaxation breaks, such as a 10-minute nap, stretching, or reading, can help mothers recharge and improve sleep quality.
3. Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Using comfortable bedding, maintaining a quiet and dark sleeping area, and reducing screen time before bed can improve sleep efficiency.
4. A Society-Wide Shift in Awareness
Japanese society must move away from the idea that mothers must handle everything alone. Expanding paid parental leave, promoting flexible work arrangements, and increasing access to childcare services are necessary to help mothers get the rest they need.
5. Conclusion
Japanese mothers experience one of the highest levels of sleep deprivation worldwide, primarily due to cultural expectations, economic pressures, and an uneven distribution of household responsibilities. However, by learning from other countries and making small changes at the family, workplace, and societal levels, Japanese mothers can achieve better work-life balance and, most importantly, better sleep.
A shift in awareness, better support systems, and policies promoting equal childcare responsibilities can pave the way for a happier and healthier future for Japanese mothers.