Japanese Society of Sleep Research Requests Government Add ‘Sleep Disorders’ to Names of Medical Departments

From NHK

April 30 2025

TOKYO – As the number of people struggling with insomnia and insufficient sleep increases, the Japanese Society of Sleep Research has submitted a formal request to the government to add “Sleep Disorders” to the names of medical departments. They envision combining this term with existing department names, such as “Sleep Disorder Internal Medicine,” and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is now considering the proposal.

According to a 2021 survey published by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), the average sleep duration for Japanese people is just over 7 hours and 20 minutes—the shortest among 33 member countries. A Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare survey also found that roughly one in five people in Japan feel they do not get sufficient rest from sleep.

Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Early and appropriate medical attention is therefore recommended. However, currently, medical institutions in Japan cannot include “Sleep Disorders” in department names on signage or advertisements, making it unclear where people should go for help—an issue that has drawn criticism.

In response, the Japanese Society of Sleep Research, composed of specialists in the field, has decided to formally request the government to add “Sleep Disorders” to the list of recognized department names. The society’s president, Dr. Naohisa Uchimura, visited the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to submit the request.

Department names that can appear on signage in medical facilities are called “hyōbō shinryōka” (standard medical department names), and any additions require discussion by a national panel of experts.

The society envisions using combinations like “Sleep Disorder Internal Medicine” and “Sleep Disorder Psychiatry.” The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to proceed with discussions.

Dr. Naohisa Uchimura, President of the Japanese Society of Sleep Research, said:

“Until now, sleep problems were not taken seriously—people would say, ‘You won’t die from not being able to sleep.’ But in recent years, systems that can visualize sleep data, including through smartphones, have made it possible to see sleep issues in terms of time and quality, increasing public interest.”

“At the same time, many people still don’t know where to seek help, and that’s a major issue. Data shows that insufficient sleep increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, dementia, and even cancer. To live a healthy and long life, sleep is essential. If we could use the term ‘Sleep Disorders’ in department names, it would serve as a guidepost for those struggling with sleep and lead to earlier medical consultations.”