A new Discovery Health report reveals that sleeping less than six hours a night significantly increases risks of chronic diseases and accidents. Based on over 47 million sleep records, the study underscores sleep's role in preventing diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and depression. It also links poor sleep to higher motor vehicle accident risks.
Discovery's recent research report, titled 'The Sleep Factor: A data-led blueprint for better health,' analyzes more than 47 million sleep records from Vitality members. The findings indicate that one in two members has at least one sleep metric out of range, with insufficient and irregular sleep patterns associated with a 22% higher risk of early death.
Individuals sleeping less than six hours per night, compared to those getting seven to eight hours, face elevated health risks. These include a 65% higher risk of diabetes, 41% higher risk of obesity, 33% higher risk of coronary heart disease, and 20% higher risk of depression symptoms. Claims for sleeping disorders in the Discovery Health Medical Scheme have increased 2.8 times from 2008 to 2024, with insomnia accounting for 55% of claims in 2024 and obstructive sleep apnoea as the fastest-growing condition.
Dr Ron Whelan, chief executive of Discovery Health, emphasized the importance of sleep, stating: “Sleep is emerging as one of the strongest predictors of chronic disease and mental health challenges. We cannot afford to overlook sleep in our approach to prevention and healthcare.”
The report also connects sleep to road safety. Discovery Insure data shows sleep as a five-times stronger predictor of motor accident risk than demographic or credit factors. Drivers sleeping only four to five hours per night have a 4.3 times higher accident risk, while sufficient sleep reduces it by 32% and a regular schedule by 36%.
Nadine Rampf, an associate professor in clinical anatomy at Stellenbosch University, noted: “Sleep is not downtime – it’s the active biology that keeps our brains and bodies running.” She added: “When we prioritise sleep, we unlock human potential, safer decisions, stronger health and greater resilience. Neglecting sleep impacts every system in the body, but protecting it is one of the most powerful predictors of long-term health and longevity.”
Experts recommend aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, with six hours possibly sufficient if one wakes refreshed. Other tips include naps before lunch, avoiding alcohol before bed, skipping late exercise or heavy meals after 7pm, and enabling night mode on devices from 6.30pm.