Relationship between Working Hours and Sleep Duration in Japan

Abstract

It is widely recognized that sleep duration among the Japanese population is relatively short, a phenomenon that is believed to be influenced by a range of cultural and social factors. Among these, long working hours are frequently cited as a potential contributing factor. However, the relationship between working hours and sleep duration has not been empirically examined in a systematic manner. In fact, it is inherently difficult to empirically establish a direct causal relationship between a social factor such as working hours and an individual behavioral outcome such as sleep duration. Given that sleep is influenced by numerous interrelated variables, it is virtually impossible to isolate and empirically examine the effect of working hours alone. What can be attempted is an inference based on data that appear to be relevant to this issue. The present study, therefore, aims to present empirical data that may help inform this issue. In recent years, a number of studies have investigated international comparisons and temporal changes in both sleep and working hours. Drawing upon these datasets, this paper seeks to explore the potential relationship between working hours and sleep duration in the context of Japan.