#Japan #Tokyo #Sleep Research #ACCELStars #Ito En

New Collaboration in Sleep and Mental Health Research

The collaboration between ACCELStars and Ito En marks a significant stride in understanding the intricate relations between green tea consumption and mental wellness, particularly for office workers. This initiative is set against the backdrop of TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, known for its innovative approach to enhancing the quality of life through experimental projects.

Founded in 2020 by Professor Yasuki Ueda of Tokyo University, ACCELStars is a sleep-tech startup specializing in elucidating sleep patterns to create new medical solutions. Their vision centers on the intersection of sleep science and public health initiatives. By leveraging advanced wearable technology, ACCELStars has developed algorithms that capture high-precision sleep data, making them a valuable partner for this research.

Ito En, a leading beverage company renowned for its commitment to health through the promotion of green tea, is joining this research with a practical goal in mind. They aim to deepen their understanding of how green tea habits correlate with factors such as work engagement, sleep quality, and mental health. As part of this initiative, Ito En plans to validate the mindful-reset effects that stem from enjoying tea, ensuring it fits into contemporary health practices.

Research Structure

The research will be comprehensive, with ACCELStars focusing on designing the study, providing measurement tools for stress and sleep quality, and collecting and analyzing data. Integral to the research strategy is the collaboration with Tokyo University’s GATEWAY Campus, which further enriches the project with academic rigor. Notably, Professor Kazuki Sato from Keio University will also serve as a key advisor, bringing insights on work engagement's effects on corporate performance.

This collaboration does not just focus on the metrics of sleep; it also aims to personalize tea-related recommendations based on individual preferences and mental states, aiming to deliver practical solutions to enhance office worker wellbeing.

Wellness Integration

In alignment with their ongoing efforts, Ito En plans to utilize ACCELStars' SLEEP COMPASS – a sleep health diagnostic service that leverages wearable technology to track sleep patterns. From May 2025, they will begin implementing sleep health management initiatives for select employees, gradually rolling out the program to encompass all staff. This proactive approach aims to set a benchmark for wellness in the corporate environment.

The collaboration signifies a commitment to crafting a new societal standard for wellbeing through tea consumption, with both companies eager to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern health considerations.

The Companies Behind the Initiative

ACCELStars is driven by a vision to unravel the mysteries of sleep and establish groundbreaking healthcare solutions. They specialize not only in sleep measurement but also in developing applications focused on sleep health and lifestyle disease prevention. This year, they partnered with numerous entities, reaching 90 different organizations, interested in their services, which began operation in May 2023.

On the other hand, Ito En is already well-established in the health-promoting beverage sector. Their commitment to fostering a sustainable culture of tea drinking is evident in their research initiative, aiming to apply the benefits of green tea towards enhancing mental health and creating a healthier workplace.

As this research unfolds, both companies are poised to share their findings and innovations that could redefine general health practices and workplace culture for future generations. Together, they are not just exploring the benefits of tea; they are crafting a future where health and well-being are central to everyday life for office workers and beyond.