Sleep Patterns Vary by Geography and Culture According to New Study

A recent study led by Dr. Christine Ou, with Dr. Steven Heine as the senior author, has revealed that sleep duration significantly varies based on geographical location and cultural influences. Published earlier this morning, the study drew from advanced sleep data collected from nearly 5,000 people in over 20 countries around the world.

Sleep does vary across the country, with Canadians living an average of seven hours and 27 minutes of slumber per night. Americans average just seven hours of sleep. The average amount of sleep received by people in France is just over seven hours and 52 minutes. Japan boasts the shortest average sleep cycle at six hours and 18 minutes.

Despite these variations, the study highlights a concerning trend: individuals across all examined countries slept at least one hour less than the recommended optimal sleep duration. This leads one to wonder how much cultural expectations and lifestyle have shaped sleep practices and affected health outcomes.

Dr. Ou emphasized the connection between sleep duration and cultural norms, stating, “People who slept closer to their own culture’s norms for sleep duration tended to have better overall health.” This indicates that if sleep patterns can be conformed to fit cultural norms, it can positively impact the well-being of the individual.

Dr. Heine further noted the complexity of sleep needs, asserting, “There is no one-size-fits-all amount of sleep that works for everyone.” This comment highlights the need for individualized recommendations and interventions in sleep health as opposed to a one-size-fits-all mainstream guideline.

These findings from the study emphasize the need to understand local cultural norms regarding sleep. This understanding is incredibly important to develop effective public health interventions that improve sleep quality and duration. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to identify such disparities. This understanding requires them to more effectively meet people where they are at culturally to help improve their sleep and health.