Discovery’s analysis of 47 million sleep records
There’s a two-way relationship between sleep and optimal health. Poor sleep can increase the risk of developing physical or mental health conditions, or both, while poor physical and mental health can negatively affect sleep quality and duration. This two-way relationship creates a cycle that can accelerate disease progression and reduce quality of life.
Discovery hosted its inaugural Sleep Summit, a landmark gathering of local and global thought leaders, clinical experts, and Discovery executives, aimed at elevating one of the most overlooked pillars of health: sleep. During the event Discovery unveiled its new research report, ‘The Sleep Factor: A Data-Led Blueprint for Better Health’, and announced the integration of sleep as a measurable, incentivised behaviour across Discovery Health, Vitality, and Insure. This bold move positions sleep alongside nutrition and exercise as a core focus for better health, longevity, and wellbeing.
‘The Sleep Factor’ research report is one of the most comprehensive analyses of sleep health in the private sector and reveals that sleep has measurable impacts on longevity, mental health, chronic disease and road safety. The findings are both striking and actionable. Drawn from over 47 million sleep records and enriched with clinical and behavioural data, the report highlights Discovery’s findings as a whole and urges elevating sleep to the level of nutrition and exercise in public health strategies.
Individuals sleeping poorly at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions
Poor sleep is closely linked to impaired concentration, reduced decision-making capacity, increased stress, and low mood, all of which impact one’s performance, productivity, and day-to-day functioning.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) data shows that individuals sleeping less than six hours per night (compared to those sleeping seven to eight hours), have a higher risk of developing diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease and symptoms of depression, as follows:
- 65% higher risk of diabetes
- 41% higher risk of obesity
- 33% higher risk of coronary heart disease
- 20% higher risk of depression symptoms
Claims for sleep disorders in the Discovery Health Medical Scheme have grown 2.8 times from 2008 to 2024, with insomnia accounting for 55% of those claims in 2024, and obstructive sleep apnoea emerging as the fastest-growing condition.
The evidence is telling us something important. 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.
Sleep – a clinical imperative
Encouragingly, when sleep duration and regularity improve, mortality risk returns to near-normal levels, showing that sleep is a modifiable behaviour with life-saving and life-extending potential.
Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a clinical imperative.
Our research shows that improving sleep quality is one of the most potent, yet underutilised, ways to reduce cardiometabolic risk. That’s why, as an organisation focused on making people healthier, we’re committed to turning sleep into a measurable, incentivised health behaviour.
As data and expert insights continue to highlight the impact of sleep, the case for prioritising sleep in health strategies is stronger than ever.
Discovery’s upcoming integration of sleep across Vitality, Discovery Health and Discovery Insure reflects a commitment to elevate sleep as a measurable, actionable, and incentivised health behaviour.
Through Vitality Sleep Rewards, personalised Vitality Sleep Scores, proactive identification of sleep disorder risk, and Vitality’s exclusive partnership with Oura to bring the Oura Ring 4 exclusively to South Africa, Discovery is making sleep health measurable, actionable and rewarded, helping members live longer, healthier lives.
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Dr Ron Whelan |
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 www.discovery.co.za  @Discovery_SA 0860 99 88 77 |
