MHM Magazine

are disrupted over a short and extended period, the effects on health are significant. The impact of poor sleep can be experienced after even one night of inadequate sleep. However, consistent poor sleep over weeks, months or years can manifest in long-term health and safety outcomes. For most people, sleep quality is affected by modern lifestyles. Artificial light, late-night digital engagement, constant connectivity, and the use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine all disrupt the biological processes necessary for healthy sleep. This is evident in the Discovery Health Medical Scheme member base: Since 2022 members sleep 12 minutes less and spend 36 minutes less in deep sleep . The physiological cost of poor sleep Discovery Health data reveals the negative impact of insufficient and irregular sleep on mortality risk - members who sleep less than seven hours per night and have irregular sleep patterns face a 22% higher mortality risk compared to the average population. Encouragingly, our data also shows that improving sleep regularity and duration can lower mortality risk by 24%, effectively normalising risk to average levels, showing the importance of a strategic focus helping Scheme members to sleep better. Looking at chronic condition risk, Discovery Health Medical Scheme members who sleep fewer than six hours per night face significantly higher health risk than those who sleep seven to eight hours. Those who sleep less than 6 hours per night have a 1.7 times higher likelihood of diabetes, 1.3 times higher likelihood of ischemic heart disease (leading to potential heart attacks and strokes), and a 1.2 times higher likelihood of presenting with moderate to severe depression symptoms. Insufficient sleep also results in a 41% higher risk of obesity, while sufficient sleep is associated with a healthy weight. Furthermore, our data show that sleep disorders are rising among Scheme members, signalling a growing need for clinical screening and intervention, with claims growing 2.8-fold from 2008 to 2024. Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder claimed for, comprising 55% of all primary sleep disorder claims in 2024 and growing by 4.7% per year. Obstructive sleep apnoea is the second most prevalent and fastest growing sleep disorder, comprising 12% of primary disorder claims in 2024 and growing at 9% per year. Where members are diagnosed with both a chronic condition and a sleep disorder, risk-adjusted hospital admission rates and associated healthcare costs per life per month are significantly elevated. This suggests a compounding clinical and economic burden when sleep disorders co-exist with other chronic diseases. When it comes to mental health, the relationship between sleep and wellbeing is profoundly bidirectional. Poor sleep contributes to irritability, anxiety, low mood, and impaired concentration; while depression, burnout, and chronic stress, in turn, disrupt sleep quality and rhythm. This creates a reinforcing cycle that gradually erodes emotional resilience and cognitive performance. Discovery’s data shows that even modest improvements in sleep regularity and duration lead to meaningful gains in mental health and functioning, as consistent, high-quality sleep supports: • Emotional regulation and stress tolerance • Faster recovery from psychological distress • Better attention, working memory, and decision-making • A lower risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms The benefits of good sleep are evident beyond immediate physical and mental health MHM | 2025 | Volume 12 | Issue 5 | The Sleep Factor: How better rest can transform physical and mental health MHM 18 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2025 | Issue 5 H