Brain Sleep Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Atsushi Hirota; hereinafter "Brain Sleep") will launch two functional pillows specifically designed to address the diversifying sleep problems of Japanese people, who have the shortest sleep duration in the world. These include the "Brain Sleep Pillow Snoreless," which secures the airway and helps prevent snoring, and the "Brain Sleep Pillow Neck Conditioning," which stretches the neck during sleep to promote an ideal curve and alleviate neck and shoulder fatigue. Both will be available at the Brain Sleep Store starting March 13 (Wednesday) at 11:00 AM. Background of Development Japanese people face diverse sleep challenges beyond just duration and quality, including snoring, sleep apnea syndrome, and body pain. Brain Sleep often receives feedback from customers struggling with issues like "severe snoring that makes me feel unrested" or "severe neck pain due to straight neck." To address these diversifying sleep issues, Brain Sleep aims for solutions through a medical approach, including consulting for sleep clinics and operating "Brain Sleep Conditioning Studio," an acupuncture and moxibustion massage facility specializing in sleep and staffed by nationally certified practitioners. Building on this extensive knowledge, we have developed functional pillows as new at-home treatment options. The "Brain Sleep Pillow Snoreless" is recommended as part of snoring and sleep apnea syndrome treatment by "D Clinic Tokyo Wellness," a specialist clinic for snoring and sleep apnea syndrome with which Brain Sleep consults and conducts joint research. Furthermore, the "Brain Sleep Pillow Neck Conditioning" is supervised by the "Brain Sleep Conditioning Studio," a sleep-specialized acupuncture and moxibustion massage facility. This pillow integrates the methods of nationally certified acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners and sleep specialists to promote neck stretching during sleep and support an ideal neck curve. By collaborating with medical institutions and specialized facilities, we aim for more fundamental solutions to the diverse sleep challenges faced by modern people. ①Snoring Approximately one in five Japanese people, an estimated over 20 million individuals, snore habitually. This is a significant problem, as it affects not only the individual but also the sleep of partners and family members. Snoring occurs when the muscles supporting the lower jaw relax during sleep, blocking the airway. While obesity and bone structure can be contributing factors, the sound of snoring is produced when air passes through the narrowed airway, causing the throat to vibrate. Japanese people, in particular, often have smaller and recessed lower jaws, making them more prone to the tongue base falling back and causing snoring. When sleeping on the back, the tongue base is more likely to fall back due to gravity, leading to snoring. However, changing sleeping positions, such as sleeping on the side, can prevent the airway from being blocked as easily and help reduce snoring. ②Neck/Shoulder Stiffness / Straight Neck Modern people spend an average of over 7.5 hours a day on smartphones and computers. Maintaining the same or an unbalanced posture for extended periods can lead to a straight neck, which should naturally be curved, causing various problems including poor circulation. Additionally, modern stressors and lack of exercise are also believed to contribute to neck and shoulder stiffness. According to the National Livelihood Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (*), shoulder stiffness is the second most common complaint for both men and women, after lower back pain, among the top five symptoms reported by approximately 30 million people with subjective symptoms in Japan, making it a national ailment. Source: Overview of the 2022 National Livelihood Survey Brain Sleep Pillow Snoreless Features ・Crown wave The crown wave shape, which suppresses snoring, promotes side sleeping and regulates breathing. The gentle crown wave constantly maintains a side sleeping position. By encouraging a side sleeping posture, it ensures an open airway during sleep, reducing snoring with smooth breathing. We confirmed a maximum of 66% reduction in snoring during a 3-day verification. Recommended by a specialist clinic for snoring and sleep apnea syndrome To prevent sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), it is crucial to be mindful of daily habits. Guidance includes restricting alcohol consumption and the use of sleeping pills, weight loss instructions for obese individuals, and improving sleeping posture (changing to a side sleeping position). These measures can somewhat reduce the severity of SAS. In mild cases, improvements in apnea to near-normal levels have been observed. Nao Isaka, M.D., Director of Sleep/SAS Clinic, D Clinic Tokyo Wellness, Sleep Center. After graduating from Saitama Medical University School of Medicine, she worked at Jikei University School of Medicine (Department of Otorhinolaryngology). She is a certified sleep specialist by the Japanese Society of Sleep Research. Specializing in sleep apnea syndrome, she has extensive clinical experience treating a wide range of patients, including women and children, in addition to men. She joined D Clinic Tokyo Wellness in September 2022 and continues to work there. Brain Sleep Pillow Neck Conditioning Features ・Neck conditioning Supervised by Brain Sleep Conditioning Studio, a sleep-specialized acupuncture and moxibustion massage facility. This pillow integrates the methods of nationally certified acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners and sleep specialists. By conditioning the neck and regulating the autonomic nervous system, your daily sleep will transform. The Brain Pot gently stimulates the entire back of the head during sleep, relaxing the scalp and muscles around acupressure points and improving blood and lymph flow. Dual-stretch structure that can be used according to neck condition. Just as our body condition changes daily, so does our neck condition. The dual-stretch with different intensities fits and supports various necks. We recommend strongly stretching with the high-stretch side before falling asleep and then sleeping on the low-stretch side. Supervisor of the sleep-specialized acupuncture and moxibustion massage "Brain Sleep Conditioning Studio" The head has over 50 acupoints, and the back of the head, in particular, where it is often difficult to reach during treatment, has a concentration of acupoints effective for the autonomic nervous system, headaches, and eye strain. At the Brain Sleep Conditioning Studio, we primarily perform acupuncture and massage on the frontal, temporal, and parietal areas of the head. However, the Brain Sleep Pillow Neck Conditioning allows for stimulation of the occipital region (occipital muscles), which is hard to reach during professional treatment, making it an excellent option for easy self-care at home. ・Super breathable Super breathable material controls optimal sleep temperature and humidity. Made of over 90% air layer, it prevents heat and moisture from accumulating in the pillow during sleep, creating a comfortable sleeping environment. ・Super clean Can be washed with water for cleanliness. It is said that humans sweat about one cup (approx. 200ml) during sleep. Its excellent breathability prevents moisture buildup, making it hygienic. Furthermore, it is washable with water and dries quickly, so it can always be kept clean. Brain Sleep Pillow Snoreless Product Details Product Name: Brain Sleep Pillow Snoreless URL: https://brain-sleep.com/products/pillow_snoreless Price: 33,000 yen (tax included) with pillow cover Size: Approximately 60 cm (W) x 36 cm (D) x 8 (10) cm (H) Brain Sleep Pillow Neck Conditioning Product Details Product Name: Brain Sleep Pillow Neck Conditioning URL: https://brain-sleep.com/products/pillow_neckconditioning Price: 33,000 yen (tax included) with pillow cover Size: Approximately 60cm (W) x 36cm (D) x 7.5/8.5cm (H)