Page 11 - IAV Digital Magazine #615

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
The Japanese Sleep Trick
Experts Say Can Help You
Fall Asleep In Minutes
By Debadrita Sur
Getting a good night's sleep is necessary for your physical and mental well-being but falling asleep can often be tricky.
According to the American Sleep Association, nearly 70 million Americans have sleep disor-
ders with insomnia being the most com- mon. Almost 30% of adults experience short-term insomnia.
Sleep doctor Dr. Hiroshi Takeda has a simple traditional Japanese trick up his sleeve that can help those struggling to fall asleep within a few minutes.
The Japanese philos- ophy of sleep is focused on simplicity, breathwork, and alignment, Takeda said, in contrast to Western ideas of big beds and soft mat- tresses.
The Shikibuton
Many people in Japan sleep on a Shikibuton, a firm, rol- lable mattress directly on the floor. According to Takeda, the Shibikuton is both a cultural preference and a scientific method to promote better sleep.
"A soft mattress can cause the body to sink in unevenly, leading to poor spinal alignment and rest- less tossing and turn- ing," Takeda explained, adding, "A firmer surface like a Shikibuton keeps the spine in a neutral position, reduces
pressure points, and improves circula- tion, helping the body relax more quickly."
Western sleep experts, too, are reportedly consider- ing the Japanese tra- dition.
"Many people don’t realize that their bed- room setup is the problem. The Japanese approach to sleep is practical, comfortable, and sci- entifically backed. By making small changes to your sleep environment, you can drastically improve your rest and overall well-being," said an expert
at Furniture in Fashion.
They teamed up with Takeda to provide simple tips one can incorporate into their normal bedtime rou- tine without getting rid of their current bed.
The sleep tips
• If you cannot use a
Shikibuton, try to find a firmer mattress top- per or a supportive mattress to reduce shrinking.
• Finding a low-pro- file bed frame can also help mimic the feeling of sleeping on a Shikibuton on the ground.
• Using buckwheat pillows can provide better support to the head and neck and help better airflow. Japanese buckwheat pillows or Sobakawa are filled with buck- wheat husks and mold to the shape of your neck and head. They also do not trap heat like memory foam and help keep the head cool at night.
• Avoid excessive decor in the bedroom and free the space of clutter to emphasize calm and minimalism.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine