Champions of Sleep

In an era where half the world struggles with insomnia due to social media and screen time, some countries are competing with Kumbhakarna in the art of sleeping. According to the Global Sleep Atlas, which tracks sleep patterns across countries, South Africa has emerged as the undisputed sleep champion.

People in South Africa sleep an average of 9 hours 13 minutes every night. China ranks second with an average of 9 hours 2 minutes, while the United States stands third with 8 hours 59 minutes. Estonia is fourth with 8 hours 50 minutes, and India secures the fifth spot with an average of 8 hours 48 minutes of sleep.

This data challenges the common perception that countries like India and China have poor work-life balance. Instead, it shows that people in these nations are prioritising recovery and health.

Kuwait ranks at the bottom with people sleeping only 6 hours 15 minutes on average. Japan and South Korea also feature among countries with the least sleep due to high work pressure.

Experts believe that cultural lifestyle and better alignment with the body clock may be reasons for longer sleep in South Africa. In contrast, light pollution and night life affect sleep in countries like Kuwait.

While quantity matters, quality of sleep is even more important. The World Health Organization warns that sleeping less than 7 hours increases the risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, obesity, and weakened immunity. Poor sleep also leads to toxin buildup in the brain, raising the risk of dementia in later life.

The message is clear — your sleep is your greatest wealth.