The Battle of the Cities: Which South African City Sleeps the Longest?
With World Sleep Month this March, Sloom’s nationwide sleep survey has sparked a fresh debate: Is quantity or quality of sleep more critical? With over 2,000 participants from all provinces, the study reveals fascinating insights about South Africans’ sleep patterns. So, which city came out on top? Gauteng takes the lead for the longest average sleep time, but is sleeping longer the best measurement of quality sleep?
The survey revealed that Gauteng residents sleep an average of 6 hours and 34 minutes each night, edging out Cape Town’s 6 hours and 30 minutes. KwaZulu-Natal followed in third place with an average of 6 hours and 20 minutes. However, the study’s most significant insight goes beyond the numbers.
“Not all sleep is created equal because the quality of sleep far outweighs the quantity,” explains Rudo Kemp, Founder & CEO of Sloom. “It’s not just about how long you sleep, but whether that sleep is truly restorative, helping you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. Gauteng might boast a few extra minutes in bed, but the real winner is the one who wakes up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day,” says Kemp. “It’s not just about how long you sleep, but how deeply you sleep. Restorative sleep is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. It’s during these stages that our bodies repair themselves, our minds consolidate memories, and we truly recharge.” he adds.
Sleep disruption: Common culprits
The study conducted by Sloom, shed light on the common culprits that disrupt our slumber. Physical discomfort (33%), including aches and pains, emerged as the leading sleep saboteur. Stress (27%) also played a significant role, keeping many South Africans awake at night. Environmental factors, such as noise, light, and temperature fluctuations (19%), further contributed to sleep disturbances. And let’s not forget the impact of restless partners, pets, and children, which disrupted sleep for 11% of respondents.
The study also highlighted the impact of caffeine consumption on sleep quality. Caffeine can remain in your system for several hours, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Late afternoon and night-time coffee or energy drinks can significantly disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling sluggish the next day.
The good news is that improving your sleep quality doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes, right now. “Simple steps can make a significant difference” explains Kemp.
- Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Studies show that people who maintain a consistent sleep schedule experience better sleep quality. Irregular sleep patterns are linked to insomnia and other sleep disturbances. One such study published in Scientific Reports found that variability in sleep timing was associated with lower sleep efficiency and increased daytime fatigue.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: A survey indicated that 76% of adults who follow a bedtime routine report high sleep quality, suggesting a positive impact.
- Optimise Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using earplugs, an eye mask, or a white noise machine to minimise distractions.
- Unplug Before Bed: Blue light reduces melatonin production by up to 23%, delaying sleep. Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to allow your body to prepare for restful sleep.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Caffeine stays in your system for up to 7 hours, and alcohol disrupts REM sleep by 39%. Skip these in the evening to improve your sleep quality.
33% of survey respondents attributed poor sleep to physical discomfort, including back pain.” Investing in a quality mattress is also crucial for a good night’s sleep,” emphasises Kemp. “A supportive and comfortable mattress provides the proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure points, allowing you to sleep soundly throughout the night.”
About Sloom
Established in 2016, Sloom is a South African mattress brand revolutionising the sleep experience with its innovative bed-in-a-box concept and customisable modular designs. As the nation’s first and only modular mattress provider, Sloom empowers individuals to create the perfect sleep surface tailored to their unique comfort preferences.
About the sleep study: This study was conducted from 1 November to 20 January 2025 with 2,000 participants. The study was done in South Africa only and included all the provinces represented, however, according to Sloom, the team compared the 3 main cities for the final survey.