When we think of what we need for survival and good health, our first responses would be air, water and food. However, sleep, like food, water and air is essential for survival and good health. We have known about the importance of sleep for a long time and have also become aware of health ramifications when we don’t receive optimal sleep. Poor quality or lack of sleep has been linked to many conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems and poor sleep health resulting in sleep deprivation, which has a high correlation to depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, neurocognitive disease, and even cancer.  Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has pointed to a “global epidemic of sleeplessness” with roughly two-thirds of adults sleeping less than 8 hours a night.

The National Sleep Foundation recently conducted a survey looking at the number of hours slept per work night in six counties. The results per country were:

Canada             7.1 hours 

Mexico             7.1 hours

Germany          7.0 hours

UK                    6.8 hours

US                    6.5 hours

Japan               6.4 hours

It is interesting to note that the survey used work nights for its evaluation. One of the most common myths about sleep is that we can catch up on lost sleep during the week by sleeping in (or longer) on the weekends.  Our sleep requirements are based on a circadian rhythm and most people need a good eight hours of sleep per night. Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, states in his book, Why We Sleep, that the recycle rate of human beings seems to be 16 hours of wakefulness before tests show a drastic reduction in physical and mental capabilities. 

According to the World Health Organization you are likely part of the “sleep loss epidemic”. There has been a global rise in sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, but also, those who have the capacity to sleep well just aren't sleeping enough. In Japan, where the epidemic is at its worse, the average time spent asleep is just 6 hours and 22 minutes, which has led to phrases for both falling asleep in public (inemuri) and dying from overwork (karōshi). The UK isn't far behind, averaging just 6 hours and 49 mins a night, meaning that since a study in 1942 found under 8% of the population was trying to survive on six or less hours, it's now rocketed to almost one in two.

Professor Walker’s book, Why We Sleep which is, in his own words, is a "manifesto of sleep science". The book collates and dispels a number of sleep myths while linking the "pernicious erosion of our sleep in developed nations" to nearly every major modern illness, from cancer to diabetes to heart disease to Alzheimer's. Walker is disarmingly resolute about the message of the book: "I think sleep is still a missing piece in the puzzle of people's health. It's not something people are necessarily recognizing as a critical issue when comes to fighting disease and sickness”. 

There are several factors that contribute to a poor night’s sleep. For many people it is a matter of priorities. Sleep is often considered an unproductive part of our day and we often forgo it for other activities. For many, it is a matter of prioritization – some choose to scroll through social media long past their desired bedtime or spend long nights at work; but for others, sleep troubles can stem from issues related to falling asleep, waking up frequently, staying asleep or other chronic problems.

Regardless, sleep is a biological necessity and should take priority every night to achieve and maintain good health. 

We have previously blogged about sleep and its importance to our health. Sleep is the single activity that we spend the most time doing in our lifetimes. We spend one-third of our lives asleep and for good reason. William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, is one of the world's leading authorities on sleep. He is sometimes referred to as the father of sleep medicine. To quote Dr. Dement, “Healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the most single important determinant on predicting longevity, more important than diet, exercise and heredity.” Dr. Matthew Walker, agrees, "I used to suggest that sleep is the third pillar of good health, along with diet and exercise, but I don't agree with that anymore. Sleep is the single most effective thing you can do to reset your brain and body for health."

We need sleep to be heathy, happy and productive. Without it we suffer consequences both physically and mentally. Sleep is the most important determinant to being healthy by choice, so, choose to get enough quality sleep.  Sleep Matters.

Sleep is not only about how many hours we sleep, but more importantly about quality of sleep that we are receiving. A significant component of sleep quality is dependent on our sleep environment. For that reason, the foundation of the Nikken Wellness Home and our personal choice, is the Nikken Naturest® Kenko Sleep System. It uses natural materials and simple principles to create Adaptive Sleep Technology. This includes, self-regulating temperature control, advanced magnetic technology and passive massage to provide a natural, relaxing sleep environment for a deep restful, rejuvenating sleep.

The system includes three main components, the Nikken Naturest® Mattress Topper with a KenkoDream™ Comforter and the Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow. Each component contains advanced technology and materials to improve sleep quality.

The Nikken Naturest® Mattress Topper features a design that has no springs. Its construction forms itself to body contours. This prevents the formation of pressure points (feeling to heavy in one spot that often precipitates tossing and turning) that can interrupt sleep and prevents us from attaining optimal rest. The natural latex foundation is firm yet comfortable, and resists sagging. This support system combines advanced scientific technology and natural materials in a design that promotes healthy and refreshing sleep. An impressive merger of two very different design principles, Naturest features advanced sleep innovations, including a revolutionary new design in magnetic technology, seen nowhere else — and traditional materials that are not only environmentally responsible but help you sleep soundly and wake feeling refreshed and energized. After trying the Kenko Naturest® Mattress Topper, you’ll never want to sleep without it. 

A perfect balance of comfort for all climates, the Kenko Dream® Comforter combines revolutionary technology and the finest materials allow better rest. Ceramic-reflecting fibers help regulate temperatures to keep you warm or cool and is designed for all-season use. Chitocotton, another innovation, contains chitosan to help fibers retain a clean, fresh scent. A magnetic layer completes the cocoon effect with ceramic-reflective fibers that help to release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature. The breathable cover provides ventilation and releases excess heat for comfort and is finished in an elegant, satiny weave that dresses up your bed.

Inside the Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow is a special filler of rolled natural latex. It’s designed so that you remove or replace filler to achieve the desired degree of firmness —your personal perfect fit. The latex is especially resilient, so it resists being compressed flat, unlike a down or foam pillow. A head and neck insert helps provide correct spinal alignment. The pillow cover is a natural, breathable cotton blend. Deep within the Custom Pillow is patented DynaFlux® Magnetic Technology, a series of magnets arranged to surround you in a cocoon of magnetism. Nikken Kenko Sleep products are made in the USA. 

A few years ago, I conducted a sleep trail using the Nikken Sleep System. The trial included over 200 individuals who responded to a questionnaire regarding their sleep quality. Individuals were asked a series of questions before and after using the sleep system. Results showed an average of nearly 50% improvement in sleep quality after just four to seven nights sleeping on the system.  For more information see our Sleep Matters video. 

Quality sleep on a Kenko Sleep System can contribute to improved learning ability and decision-making abilities, improved memory, alertness and increased mental acuity. Quality sleep supports physical health including improved immune system function, better ability to resist premature aging, increased ability to resist stress, and better-regulated hormone production that can help prevent weight gain or obesity.

Sleep Matters and is a vital component of every Wellness Home. As Nikken consultants and part of our International Wellness Community we have a solution for this global problem and we highly recommend the Nikken Naturest® Kenko Sleep System. 

Get at least eight hours of quality sleep per night and BE HEALTHY BY CHOICE, NOT BY CHANCE.