In Tokyo on Monday, dozens of participants took part in an unusual competition designed to promote better sleep habits in Japan, a country known for widespread sleep deprivation. The event, called the "Matt Race," was organized by Koala Sleep Japan, a mattress company. Contestants were outfitted with sleep tracking devices and given up to 90 minutes to lie down on comfortable mattresses and attempt the fastest, deepest nap.

The winner was determined based on how quickly the participant fell asleep and the quality of their rest. The top prize was over two million yen (approximately $14,000). The contest drew self-described "competitive sleepers," with some bringing stuffed toys to help them relax in the dimly lit room where the event took place.

Riichiro Nakama, the creative director at Koala Sleep Japan, highlighted the context behind the competition, noting Japan’s reputation as a nation struggling with limited sleep. Citing data from the OECD, he pointed out that in 2021, Japanese people averaged seven hours and 24 minutes of sleep daily—the lowest figure among OECD countries. Factors such as long working hours, lengthy commutes, and an active nightlife are commonly cited as contributing to this trend.

Participants spoke positively about the experience. Chisato Honda, a 32-year-old competitor, described the event as a "happy competition" and expressed a wish to have slept longer. The winner, who identified herself by the nickname Suimii, stated plans to use the prize money for moving expenses and to purchase a high-quality bed.

The event organizers expressed hope that transforming sleep into a social and competitive activity could raise awareness about the importance of rest and encourage people to prioritize sleep despite demanding modern lifestyles.