How South Africa ranks amongst countries getting most sleep
A study has revealed the average sleep duration for 20 countries.
If you could take a nap right now, you probably would.
READ: Artist pays tribute to Cornal Hendricks with unique portrait
Very few people don't like sleeping, but we all know how important sleep is.
While many studies are being done on sleep, it is still a very relatively unknown field.
Some researchers have found that too little or too much sleep can be unhealthy, while others still debate the eight-hour rule.
LOOK: Kim Kardashian celebrates law school graduation!
In a 2025 study by the University of British Columbia, researchers "explored whether people from countries with shorter sleep durations suffer from worse health (conditions) across two separate investigations."
During this study, they also looked into the optimal amount of sleep duration that varies between cultures.
WATCH: Woman swears by McDonald's 'migraine hack' meal
The researchers surveyed 50,000 people in 20 countries and determined the average time these citizens slept.
According to their findings, some might be surprised to learn which country is the most rested. Japan was last on the list, with six hours and 17 minutes.
On average, the Japanese sleep an hour and a half less than the top country.
LOOK: Famous rock drummer shares 10 reasons he was fired
Here is the list of the top 10:
- France: 7 hrs 52 mins
- Netherlands: 7 hrs 45 mins
- Belgium: 7 hrs 41 mins
- New Zealand: 7 hrs 40 mins
- United Kingdom: 7 hrs 33 mins
- South Africa: 7 hrs 31 mins
- Australia: 7 hrs 29 mins
- Canada: 7 hours 26 mins
- China: 7 hours 17 mins
- India: 7 hours 14 mins
Other countries that function on less sleep include Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, which reported sleeping for less than seven hours a night.
Although the difference between the number one and 20 spots might seem shocking, researchers found that although they slept less, they weren't less healthy.
There is no one-size-fits-all amount of sleep that works for everyone.
It was also found that although some Asian countries sleep for two hours less than the recommended eight hours, there is no evidence of higher rates of heart disease, diabetes or lower life expectancy.
Individuals whose sleep duration was closer to their country's perceived ideal reported better health. The results suggest that the amount of sleep associated with optimal health varies across countries.
At the end of the day, every person should do what works for them, as long as it is not affecting your health in a negative way.
Tune into 'The Drive with Rob & Roz' on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Main image courtesy of iStock