Why a good night’s sleep could be your key to better living (and driving)

But as it turns out, how long and how well you sleep could be impacting much more than just your mood or your morning coffee cravings. According to Discovery Insure, which recently analysed a staggering 47 million sleep records, poor sleep has serious consequences for your health, your focus, and even your safety on the road.

Joining Bongani in studio, Robert Attwell, CEO of Discovery Insure, explains why sleep is not just downtime, it’s one of the most critical components of a healthy, productive life.

Listen to the conversation below... 

“We spend a third of our lives sleeping, yet for some reason, as a society, we don’t take it seriously," explains Attwell.

Through research from Discovery Vitality, sleep quality is measured using three key components:

1. Duration: ideally 7-9 hours per night.
2. Regularity: going to bed within an hour of your usual bedtime each night.
3. Quality: obtaining sufficient deep and REM sleep, which is crucial for restoration and brain function.

When any of these are off balance, the consequences can add up  - from impaired concentration to long-term risks such as diabetes, obesity, depression, and heart disease.

For those who pride themselves on burning the midnight oil, Attwell had a stark warning: sleeping less doesn’t just make you tired, it could shorten your life.

“People who consistently sleep poorly have a 22% higher all-cause mortality risk. You might gain a few extra waking hours today, but in the long run, you’re giving up years," says Attwell.

And the risks also affect our roads. Discovery Insure data reveals that sleep is a five times stronger predictor of motor-vehicle accident risk than demographic or credit factors. Drivers who sleep only four to five hours per night face a 4.3 times higher motor-vehicle accident risk. Conversely, sleeping enough hours reduces accident risk by 32%, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule reduces it by 36%.

So, what can you do if you’re one of the many South Africans struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep?

Attwell shared several practical tips for better “sleep hygiene”:

1. Stick to a routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.
2. Power down early: Avoid screens and blue light an hour before bedtime.
3. Watch your caffeine: Cut off coffee and energy drinks after lunchtime.
4. Create a calm environment: Use blackout curtains, keep your room cool, and minimise noise.
5. Wind down naturally: A warm bath or shower before bed can help your body relax and lower your temperature for better sleep.

And yes, that old trick about warm milk or herbal tea? Attwell says it’s all about what works for you.

He says, “If it helps you relax and signals to your body that it’s time to sleep, then it’s worth doing."

Not every restless night is cause for concern; life happens. However, if you’ve already tried improving your routine and still struggle to get quality rest, Attwell advises consulting a healthcare professional. Persistent insomnia could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.