Bringing Good Sleep to Japan
In 2005, 1 out of 5 people in Japan expressed concerns related to sleeping. Beginning with sleep apnea syndrome, which first received major media exposure in Japan three years ago when a train driver was caught dozing at the controls of a bullet train, there has been a rise in the number of people who struggle with insomnia, restless leg syndrome, REM sleep Behavior Disorder, narcolepsy, and other sleep related problems. This trend has become a social problem resulting in an increase in the number of clinics and general hospitals specializing in the treatment of sleeping disorders. It is also a problem affecting businesses, especially the transporation industry, which now encourages sleep apnea syndrome examinations to assure that employees are sleeping well to avoid accidents that can lead to financial losses.
Behind many health problems is a large market responding to the needs of these consumers. Currently, the market in Japan for sleep related products and services are expected to rise to 100 billion yen. Matsushita Electric Works is one company that is aiming to develop products that will provide customers with an all-around solution, including electronics and bedding that will assist in solving sleeping problems.
B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Puget Sound in Washington.