Catching the big Z's in Japan

Lack of sleep is becoming the new “smoking is bad for you” fad. And with good reason. Millions of people suffer from lack of sleep; going to sleep late, having to wake up super early or a mixture of both. Be it from a strenuous job or too much partying, not getting enough sleep is horrible for your body. Getting a full night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Physically AND mentally!

You probably already are an expert on the immediate symptoms, if you are like me and average around five to six hours every night (while the recommended hours are closer to eight). Drowsiness, lack of attention, irritability, dependence on coffee and other stimulants are just a few examples. Who knows what the long term effects are!

Japan is no exception to this. The loud, cramped streets with blinking lights offer no relief to the tired masses, instead dragging them on into whatever the next interesting thing is happening around the corner.

Believe it or not, I have managed to get a few nights of full rest here in Japan. Those days, I added a few extra steps which helped me get the amount of sleep my body deserves. Here are a few things you can do in the morning to improve your sleep. (You know, aside from the obvious ones like darkness in the room, no electronics in bed and drinking alcohol before bed).

Rajio taiso. Yes. The famous exercise routine on TV every morning. (If you oversleep, you can find it on YouTube too!) Get your body into gear first thing and you won't be disappointed with the results. Those times when I get my butt up and going, I choose this. My body fills up with energy which stays with me throughout the day. And come night, I will have spent most of the energy my body has, and then some, and I sleep like a baby. (It also helps to put my brain into Japanese mode).

Drink Aojiru. That's right. The green, disgusting thing that looks more like the ooze from the Ninja Turtles than anything. This drink has so many good vitamins/minerals/things for your body (especially after that exercise routine you just did) your body won't know what to do with it all. Just get a box of powder and mix it with milk, water or anything liquid I guess. It will give you some balance that your body desperately needs.

Also, things that help in the summer include ice packs, summer themed pyjamas (the loose, breathing type) and, of course, a circulator fan aimed directly at my face.

What are some things you do to improve your sleep?