63% of 20s Feel Anxious About Nighttime Heatstroke, While Anxiety Decreases Among Elderly. 54% Dissatisfied with This Summer's Sleep; 67% Feel Temperature Differences with Roommates, 36% Have Experienced Conflicts

According to the three-month weather outlook released by the Japan Meteorological Agency on June 23, warm air is expected to cover most of Japan this summer, with temperatures likely to remain high from July to August. Amid these severe heat conditions, heatstroke prevention during nighttime is as important as during the day.

Panasonic Corporation has conducted a survey on summer sleep habits and, together with Fujiko Fukuda, Panasonic Air Meister and Sleep Improvement Instructor, is introducing effective air conditioner usage tips and non-air-conditioning strategies for achieving better sleep during hot summer nights.

【Press Release Summary】

Survey Results on This Summer's Sleep Conditions

- 54% are dissatisfied with their sleep this summer - 53% wake up due to heat during sleep; among them, 87% find it difficult to fall back asleep - 50% feel anxious about nighttime heatstroke; by age group: 63% of 20s vs. 35% of 60s - 40% sometimes refrain from using air conditioning despite feeling hot; by age group: 51% of 20s vs. 28% of 60s - Reasons for not leaving AC on all night: 'Too cold' (55%), 'High electricity cost' (48%) - 67% feel temperature differences with roommates; 36% have experienced discomfort or arguments

Fujiko Fukuda, Panasonic Air Meister and Sleep Improvement Instructor, Introduces Air Conditioner Tips for Better Summer Sleep

～Should you use 'Timer Off' or 'Leave On'? Video comparing room temperature and electricity costs is now available～

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50% feel anxious about nighttime heatstroke, with 63% of 20s vs. 35% of 60s

67% feel temperature differences with roommates; 36% have experienced conflicts

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When asked about satisfaction with this summer's sleep, 12% answered 'not at all satisfied' and 42% 'not very satisfied,' totaling 54% expressing dissatisfaction.

Regarding whether they wake up due to heat during sleep, 12% said 'frequently' and 41% 'occasionally,' with 53% reporting waking up due to heat.

Among those who wake up from heat, 31% 'strongly' and 56% 'somewhat' feel it is difficult to fall back asleep, totaling 87% struggling to return to sleep.

Regarding anxiety about nighttime heatstroke risk, 13% 'strongly' and 37% 'somewhat' feel anxious, totaling 50% expressing concern.

By age group, anxiety about nighttime heatstroke is highest among 20s (63%), followed by 30s (56%), 40s (52%), and 50s (42%). In contrast, only 35% of 60s feel anxious, indicating that younger generations are more concerned, while older generations show less anxiety despite being at higher physiological risk.

Regarding air conditioner usage during summer sleep, 36% use it all night, 31% use timer settings, and 18% do not use it.

Despite feeling hot, 10% 'frequently' and 30% 'occasionally' refrain from using air conditioning, totaling 40% enduring heat without AC.

By age group, 51% of 20s and 48% of 30s refrain from using AC, while only 28% of 60s do so, showing younger generations are more likely to avoid AC despite discomfort.

Among those not leaving AC on all night, 55% cited 'too cold,' 48% 'high electricity cost,' and 27% 'concern for health' as reasons.

Regarding temperature differences with roommates, 25% 'frequently' and 42% 'occasionally' feel differences, totaling 67%.

Among those feeling temperature differences, 9% 'frequently' and 27% 'occasionally' reported conflicts or difficulties, totaling 36% having experienced disagreements over temperature settings.

Regarding whose preference dominates temperature settings, 45% adjust for the person who feels hot, far exceeding 18% who adjust for the person who feels cold.

For coping with temperature differences, 40% adjust using bedding (e.g., comforters, cooling sheets), 37% compromise on temperature settings, and 35% adjust clothing (e.g., sleepwear), showing people use various methods beyond AC settings to improve sleep comfort.

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How to Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment on Hot Summer Nights

Air Conditioner Expert and Sleep Instructor Share Tips

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Fujiko Fukuda, Panasonic Air Meister and Sleep Improvement Instructor, explains effective air conditioner usage and non-AC strategies for better summer sleep.

※Sleep environments vary by individual and AC installation conditions.

4 Correct Air Conditioner Usage Tips for Summer Sleep (Avoid Turning On After Entering Bedroom)

① Turn on AC 30 minutes before bedtime, directing airflow upward

A room temperature of 26–28°C is generally considered ideal for comfortable sleep. Set the AC to cool or dehumidify mode at 26–28°C. Equally important is timing: turn on the AC 30 minutes before entering the bedroom, directing airflow upward to efficiently create a comfortable environment.

② Regularly clean bedroom AC filters

Bedrooms, where fibers from bedding and clothing easily become airborne, tend to accumulate dust in AC filters. Cleaning filters once a month is recommended. Dirty filters reduce cooling efficiency, increase electricity costs, and degrade air quality.

③ Set airflow direction toward ceiling or feet

Direct airflow can overcool the body and disrupt sleep. Aim airflow at the ceiling or feet to evenly cool the room. Panasonic ACs feature 'Ceiling Airflow' technology, directing air along the ceiling to cool the entire room evenly.

④ 'Leave On' is better than 'Timer Off'

Using a timer may stop the AC mid-sleep, causing room temperature to rise and leading to heat-related awakenings. Leaving the AC on maintains a stable comfortable temperature. Experiments show electricity costs are not significantly higher. Panasonic has published a video on its official YouTube channel comparing room temperature and electricity costs.

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Non-AC Sleep Improvement Strategies

- Upgrade bedding: Use breathable, moisture-wicking sheets and comforters. Cooling mattress pads are also effective.

- Optimize sleepwear: Wear moisture-wicking pajamas or two-piece sets for better temperature regulation.

- Regulate body temperature before sleep: Take a bath to warm the body, then sleep as body temperature naturally drops, improving sleep onset.

- Hydrate: Drink a glass of water before bed and upon waking to reduce nighttime dehydration risk.

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Panasonic Corporation will continue contributing to a sustainable society by providing products and services that support comfortable living.