South Africa's Sleep Struggles: Quality vs. Quantity
Ahead of World Sleep Month, a nationwide sleep survey by Sloom has revealed eye-opening insights into South Africans' sleep habits. With over 2,000 participants, the study confirms that while some provinces sleep longer, sleep quality remains a major concern.
Who Sleeps the Most?
Gauteng leads with an average of 6 hours and 34 minutes of sleep per night, closely followed by the Western Cape (6h30) and KwaZulu-Natal (6h20). However, despite these numbers, only 20% of South Africans wake up feeling truly rested, proving that duration alone isn’t the key to quality sleep.
What’s Keeping Us Awake?
Sleep disruptions are common:
- 37% never or rarely wake up feeling rested
- 52% wake up 2-3 times a night
- 32% struggle with pain or discomfort
- 26% cite stress as their main sleep disruptor
- 18% blame noise, light, or temperature
- 12% are disturbed by partners, kids, or pets
Why Quality Sleep Matters
“Restorative sleep is crucial for our health,” says Rudo Kemp, Founder & CEO of Sloom. Deep sleep helps our bodies recover, boosts mental clarity, and improves overall well-being. Unfortunately, 32.8% of South Africans sleep less than 5 hours per night, ranking us among the most sleep-deprived populations globally.
How to Sleep Better
With 74% of South Africans skipping sleep-enhancing habits, small lifestyle changes can make a big impact:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine
- Limit screen time before bed
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake in the evening
- Invest in a high-quality mattress – Those who do, report a 75% improvement in sleep quality.
Want to wake up refreshed? Prioritise sleep quality over quantity and make small changes for a well-rested you!