Introducing 10 noteworthy Japanese sleep tech companies working to improve the way we sleep.
In the burgeoning “sleep-tech” market, numerous established and emerging businesses are entering the fray. With its anticipated growth, this sector deserves attention. This article will highlight notable sleep-tech companies and provide insights into mastering this technology. By embracing sleep-tech innovations, individuals can stay ahead of the trends and improve their overall well-being.
Sleep tech has become a huge market.
The size of the sleep tech market is approximately 9 trillion yen worldwide. The domestic market is estimated to be approximately 1.2 trillion yen, and is still an untapped market.
Additionally, Japan is one of the countries in the world with the lowest level of satisfaction with sleep.
According to the 2017 National Health and Nutrition Survey Report released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, with these results.
- 20.2% of people feel they are sleep deprived
- 39.2% of people sleep less than 6 hours a day on average
Approximately 1 in 5 Japanese people are dissatisfied with their sleep, which reveals the great demand for sleep tech in Japan.
A recent sleep tech example: “Pokémon sleep”
The long-awaited “Pokémon Sleep” was released on July 20, 2023, and had been much anticipated since its initial announcement in 2019. The app intends to make users look forward to their daily sleep through various games while visualizing the quality and rhythm of their slumber.
The app is easy to use. Simply launch it each night before you go to sleep and place it near your pillow. It will then record sleep data such as the time it takes to fall asleep, the time spent dozing, resting, and the number of times you wake up. This data is then analyzed and displayed in a graph every day.
Additionally, the app’s microphone picks up sounds during your sleep and records them as audio data for 10 seconds each. You can check the 24-hour period in which these audio clips are stored.
As you continue using the app, it will compare your sleep data and calculate averages. This data is then used to determine your sleep type for the day and to grow Snorlax, which is located in the center of the island.
By analyzing your sleep, the app attracts Pokémon with similar sleep types to you. You can collect pictures of these Pokémon and aim to complete your collection.
The basic gameplay of “Pokémon Sleep” is free, although there are optional in-app purchases available.
5 Notable Sleep Tech Companies
In the sleep tech market, which is currently in the process of growth, we would like to introduce five companies that will attract attention in the future.
Brainsleep
Established in 2019, Brainsleep is headquartered in Tokyo. Its founder, Seiji Nishino, who is widely known as the author of the famed book, “Stanford-Style Best Sleep,” serves as the chief research advisor for the company.
The popularity of the book signifies its renown among many people. Furthermore, Nishino holds the position of Director at the Sleep Research Institute of Stanford University.
Products and services
Brainsleep’s main services are as follows.
- Operation of information dissemination media regarding sleep
- Sleep and health support business for companies
- Support business for sleep tech related companies
In October 2020, they collaborated with NewsPicks to launch Japan’s first sleep-specific community, which became a hot topic.
The company will continue to take on new challenges based on Mr. Nishino’s knowledge and experience, and can become a business model that will drive Japan’s sleep tech business.
Neurospace
Based in Tokyo and founded in 2013, Neurospace stands as the largest sleep tech company in Japan.
With a team of 21 employees, Neurospace has a strong history of collaborating with renowned companies such as Yoshinoya and KDDI.
Products and Services
Their mission is to enhance sleep quality for everyone. We primarily concentrate on two main services:
Sleep Improvement Program: This program measures various data from company employees and offers personalized guidance to improve lifestyle habits.
Sleep App Development and Research: We create and study sleep apps that offer valuable insights and advice for better sleep.
The sleep improvement program utilizes video content to promote sleep quality while the sleep app provides personalized recommendations based on data analysis.
UniFa
Founded in 2013, Unifa is a company headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, with about 200 employees. It focuses on “childcare”-related businesses within the sleep industry, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to enhance nursery schools and kindergartens.
Unifa has received several prestigious business awards, including the “AWS Startup Architecture of the Year Japan 2020” competition in September 2020, which recognizes innovative and scalable cloud architectures.
Products and Services
UNIFA offers an innovative sleep technology service known as “RUKUMI Nap Check.” This app-based service enables parents to monitor their children’s sleep patterns and ensure they are getting optimal rest. With over 3,200 schools using it, “RUKUMI Nap Check” stands apart as a groundbreaking service that seamlessly integrates sleep and childcare.
O:SLEEP
Established in 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo, O:SLEEP quickly gained recognition in 2019 after partnering with Australian sleep tech company Koala Sleep, making it a hot topic in the industry. The company has since been featured in various media outlets, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and NHK. Known for its promising potential, O:SLEEP is a company with high expectations for future growth.
Products and Services
O:SLEEP’s main service is a sleep app called “O:SLEEP.” By monitoring employee sleep patterns through this app, we aim to boost productivity and minimize absenteeism.
This service provides comprehensive data on sleep quality, allowing employers to assess employee stress levels, identify potential health issues early, and take proactive steps to enhance overall well-being.
S‘UIMIN
S’UIMIN, a startup company created in 2017, is headquartered in Ibaraki Prefecture due to its affiliation with the University of Tsukuba. Led by Chairman Masafumi Yanagisawa, a sleep medicine science researcher, S’UIMIN is committed to improving the lives of people worldwide who struggle with sleep problems. The company is a leader in sleep medicine.
Products and Services
S’UIMIN leverages AI and other state-of-the-art technologies to automate sleep data measurement, aiming to enhance sleep quality.
In 2020, they introduced “lnSomnograf,” a service that enables high-precision sleep data measurement at home. Conventional sleep measurement systems necessitate numerous measuring devices attached to the body, and the measurement process can take up to two hours. In stark contrast, lnSomnograf utilizes AI to provide instant data measurement. Not only does it obtain results swiftly, but also attains data quality comparable to traditional measurement systems.
Selected Other Startups
In addition to established companies, numerous startups are venturing into the sleep tech market. For example:
- iCARE Co., Ltd., a developer and provider of HRTech services
- Pulsebots Co., Ltd., a specialist in robotic software
- TRA Co., Ltd., a distributor of smartphone accessories, insomnia treatment app
- Susmed Co., Ltd., and Weatherly Japan Co., Ltd., an import trading company
Well-known companies, such as Airweave Co., Ltd., renowned for selling bedding, and FiNC Technologies Co., Ltd., the operator of the health management app FiNC, are also joining the sleep tech industry.
Other notable startups include ACCELStars Co., Ltd., which has developed a system for measuring sleep data, and Tech Doctor Co., Ltd., which specializes in medical data analysis.
5 Listed Companies Involved in Sleep Tech
ANA Holdings Co., Ltd.
ANA and Neurospace collaborate to create “lee JET,” a mobile application that alleviates jet lag. Three days prior to departure, the app analyzes individual responses to a questionnaire to provide customized notifications and offline functionality during flights.
Panasonic Holdings Co., Ltd.
Panasonic’s focus is on establishing a conducive environment for a restful night’s sleep. The company contributes to enhancing sleep quality through air conditioners and lighting equipment that automatically regulate room temperature and brightness. Additionally, vacuum cleaners and dryers from Panasonic are designed to maintain clean bedding, further contributing to a comfortable sleep experience.
Many individuals utilize features such as “sleep navigation” for air conditioners and lighting, “sleep timer” and “wake-up timer” for audio equipment, and “clean sensor” and “bedroom mode” on various home appliances. These features collectively create a more comfortable and restful sleeping environment.
CYBERDYNE Co., Ltd.
In a strategic move to expand its presence in the healthcare sector, Cyberdyne has acquired C2 Co., Ltd. C2 Co., Ltd. is the developer and operator of the popular smartphone healthcare app, Deep Sleep Alarm.
The Deep Sleep Alarm app offers a range of features to enhance sleep, including sleep induction sounds, sleep recording, and alarms. Additionally, the app is cloud-compatible, allowing users to access their sleep data from anywhere.
Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
Toppan Printing has successfully developed a sheet-type biosensor capable of real-time sleep status analysis, enabling sleep visualization. This technology has garnered significant interest, especially in the field of nursing care. A distinguishing feature of this system is that it eliminates the need for the user to wear any device, maximizing rehabilitation effects and alleviating the workload of healthcare staff.
Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
In light of the demanding hybrid work arrangements of today, Ajinomoto conducted research on sleep and amino acids to address the associated stress and fatigue.
The supplement “Grina (R)” was developed to mitigate stress and help regulate sleep rhythms, thereby enhancing overall well-being.
Glycine, known as a sleep amino acid, is believed to induce rapid transition into deep sleep, promoting sound rest, and a refreshed awakening upon waking.
