Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
19 March 2025 | 14:00 CAT
2 min read

March is Sleep Awareness Month, highlighting the crucial role of good-quality sleep in maintaining overall well-being. However, for many, sleep disorders remain a persistent struggle, affecting both physical and mental health. Speaking to Radio Islam, Professor Karine Scheuermaier, an associate professor at the University of Witwatersrand’s Sleep Laboratory, shed light on the impact of sleep deprivation and common sleep disorders.

While South Africa lacks comprehensive national data on sleep disorders, studies suggest they are widespread. “We did a study in Mpumalanga, and we found that 30 % of our participants had a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Not only was it obstructive sleep apnea, but it was also about 30 % of the population, which is a huge amount and was associated with higher cardiovascular risk,” she explained.

It appears that women are more prone to sleep issues than men, particularly as they age. “We seem to see a tendency towards women having more problems indeed with insomnia,” Scheuermaier said. She noted that it happens particularly around the perimenopausal and menopausal time due to hormonal changes. Additionally, societal expectations and caregiving responsibilities often result in more disrupted sleep for women.

Recognising the signs of a sleep disorder is key to addressing the problem. “In insomnia disorder, people complain that they can’t fall asleep or have problems staying asleep, and this happens for more than a couple of months,” she said. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is linked to breathing issues at night, leading to frequent awakenings. Symptoms include excessive daytime tiredness, morning headaches, and even resistant hypertension.

Poor sleep also has a strong connection to mental health issues. “We show the relationships very clearly in many studies all over the world. How it happens exactly is still a little bit debatable, but we know poor sleep induces poor wakefulness, which could affect neurotransmitter production,” she said.

Before turning to medication, Scheuermaier emphasised lifestyle changes that can improve sleep. “One of the worst things we have been doing to our sleep these past years is using screens at night. The blue light from screens delays our rhythm and makes our cortex more awake,” she warned. She also recommended maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and ensuring a quiet, dark sleep environment.

For those experiencing occasional sleep disruptions, melatonin may offer a natural remedy. “Something that we produce naturally is melatonin, and for some people who just go through a little bit of disruption from time to time, it can be extremely helpful,” she said.

With sleep playing a vital role in overall health, raising awareness about its importance and recognising sleep disorders early can make a significant difference in long-term well-being.

LISTEN to the full interview with Muallimah Annisa Essack and Professor Karine Scheuermaier, an associate professor at the University of Witwatersrand’s Sleep Laboratory, here.