Bed Day (Beddo no Hi)

What Is Bed Day?

September 3rd is "Bed Day" (Beddo no Hi). It comes from a wordplay reading: 9 ("guu") and 3 ("suri") combine to sound like "gussuri," the Japanese word for sleeping deeply and soundly. The date plays on the English phrase "good sleep day," with "good sleep" shortened to "gussuri." The day was established by the All Japan Bed Manufacturers Association to spread awareness of the importance of quality sleep and encourage people to review their beds and bedding.

Why September 3rd Is "Bed Day"

Beyond the "gussuri" wordplay, the date also reflects the approach of autumn's long nights. The aim is to promote the comfortable sleep a good bed can provide, and the day is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association.

• The wordplay: 9 ("guu") + 3 ("suri") = "gussuri" (sleeping soundly).
• Autumn's long nights: A chance to review your sleep environment before the nights grow longer.
• Industry awareness: Aimed at spreading knowledge about how to choose the right bed and mattress.

The Relationship Between Beds and Sleep

Sleep quality is heavily influenced by the condition of your bed and mattress. Bedding that properly supports your body and doesn't restrict turning over while you sleep promotes deeper rest.

• Pressure distribution: Spreads your body weight evenly to reduce strain.
• Ease of turning over: Turning over during sleep is important for maintaining blood flow, which requires the right amount of resilience in the mattress.
• Breathability: Bedding that doesn't trap moisture contributes to more comfortable sleep.

Types of Beds and Their Features

There are many types of beds, and you can choose one that fits your lifestyle and body type.

• Pocket coil: Independent coils that fit closely to the body's contours.
• Bonnell coil: A surface-supporting structure that offers a firm sleeping feel.
• Memory foam (low resilience): Sinks and molds to the shape of your body for a cocooning sensation.
• High-resilience mattress: Makes turning over easier and can help reduce strain on the lower back.

Interesting Facts About Bed Day

• Mattress lifespan: Mattresses are generally recommended to be replaced every 7 to 10 years.
• Sleep duration statistics: The average sleep duration in Japan tends to be shorter than in many other OECD countries.
• Where "gussuri" comes from: One theory says the Japanese word derives from English "good sleep," but it already appears in Edo-period books meaning "thoroughly," so another view holds that it is not of English origin.
• Pillow compatibility: Pillow height greatly affects sleeping posture, so it's important to choose one that matches your bed.

Tips for Enjoying Bed Day

• Review your bedding and check the condition of your mattress and pillow.
• Refresh your bedroom with new sheets or covers.
• Improve your sleep quality by adjusting your pre-bedtime habits (lighting, smartphone use, bathing).
• Adjust the temperature and humidity in your bedroom to create a comfortable sleep environment.

Good Sleep Helps Build Tomorrow's You

September 3rd, "Bed Day," is a perfect opportunity to rethink the quality of your sleep. A good night's rest in a comfortable bed leaves both your mind and body feeling lighter, making every day a little more comfortable.