Relationship of Lifestyle Habits with Sleep Quality among Japanese in Their 20s

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of lifestyle on sleep quality in young Japanese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the web. We analyzed 637 eligible subjects (316 men and 321 women) aged 20 - 29 years. Information on diet and individual lifestyle characteristics, including sleep quality, which was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Japanese version (PSQI-J). Results were obtained by participants completing an online questionnaire. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether they were students (“student group”) or not (“not student group”). The participants with a PSQI-J global score of 6 or higher were evaluated as low-sleep-quality. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations of lifestyle habits with low-sleep-quality. Logistic regression analyses were applied for “student group” and “not student group”. The results showed that days of eating out at dinner (OR: 1.11, CI: 1.00 - 1.22) and skipping dinner (OR: 1.21, CI: 1.05 - 1.42) were significant and independent predictors for low-sleep-quality among the “not student group”. There were no significant and independent predictors for low-sleep-quality among “student group”. Our results suggested that excessive intake by eating out and deficient intake by skipping dinner might lead to a high PSQI-J score. It is necessary for young people to receive education on the importance of cooking their own meals for traditional and daytime eating. The implication of this study lies in the fact that we have analyzed the effects of lifestyle habits on quality of sleep.

Physical and Psychological Effects of the Shiatsu Stimulation in the Sitting Position

Purpose: In this study, we investigated physical and psychological effects of the shiatsu (finger pressure) stimulation in a sitting position. Subjects and Methods: A crossover test was conducted on 20 subjects (average 34.5 ± 7.6 years old;male = 10, female = 10). First they were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (shiatsu stimulation/control) and group B (control/shiatsu stimulation). They had shiatsu stimulation (Namikoshi basic methods in the sitting position, five minutes). At the same time, POMS (profile of mood states), SBP (systolic blood pressure, DBP (diastolic blood pressure) and HR (heart rate) were measured. Results: Physical result—Compared to the baseline, the shiatsu stimulation showed statistical decreased SBP and HR while the control (no shiatsu stimulation) did not. Psychological result (POMS)— Compared to the baseline, the stimulation showed significant change in all six mood states (Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Fatigue and Confusion decreased while Vigor elevated). Male showed statistical decrease in Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger, Fatigue and Confusion as well as significant increase in Vigor. Female only showed decrease in Depression-Dejection and Anger. Discussion and Conclusion: The shiatsu stimulation in the sitting position could modulate autonomic nerve system and it could affect human body. Gender differences were found in physiological effect.