October Health – 2025 Report

Sleep in Eswatini

The leading cause of sleep stress in Eswatini is often attributed to economic instability, which contributes to financial stress and concerns about job security. Additionally, social factors such as family responsibilities and community pressures, along with health issues and inadequate access to healthcare, also play significant roles in affecting sleep quality across the population. Addressing these systemic issues through workplace mental health initiatives, such as those offered by October and October, can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

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Sleep Prevalence
21.83%
Affected people
12,006,500

Impact on the people of Eswatini

Effects of High Sleep Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  1. Physical Health Issues

    • Increased risk of chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes).
    • Weakened immune system, leading to more illnesses.

  2. Mental Health Decline

    • Higher levels of anxiety and depression.
    • Reduced cognitive function and memory problems.

  3. Workplace Impact

    • Decreased productivity and focus.
    • Higher absenteeism and presenteeism.

  4. Relationship Strain

    • Increased irritability and conflict with family and friends.
    • Difficulty in communication and emotional connection.

  5. Overall Quality of Life

    • Lower energy and motivation for daily activities.
    • Decreased enjoyment in personal pursuits and hobbies.

Consider implementing group sessions through platforms like October to address workplace sleep stress and improve employee well-being.

Impact on the Eswatini Economy

Effects of High Sleep Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity
    Employees with high sleep stress tend to perform poorly, leading to decreased output and efficiency in the workplace.

  2. Increased Absenteeism
    Sleep stress can result in more sick days taken by employees, impacting overall workforce availability and increasing operational costs.

  3. Higher Health Costs
    Persistent sleep issues can lead to a variety of health problems, raising healthcare costs for employers and the economy as a whole.

  4. Decreased Job Satisfaction
    High levels of sleep stress can lead to lower morale, which may result in reduced employee engagement and retention.

  5. Impact on Innovation
    Sleep-deprived workers may struggle with creativity and problem-solving, hindering innovation and the ability to adapt in competitive markets.

Encouraging practices like better work-life balance and incorporating mental health resources such as digital group sessions through companies like October can help mitigate these effects.

What can government do to assist?

  • Promote Awareness Campaigns: Implement national campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sleep for mental health.

  • Encourage Flexible Work Policies: Advocate for companies to adopt flexible working hours to allow employees to prioritize sleep.

  • Implement Restorative Workplace Practices: Encourage organizations to create quieter work environments and allow breaks for relaxation.

  • Provide Sleep Education: Offer workshops and resources on sleep hygiene, such as the impact of screens on sleep and the benefits of a consistent sleep schedule.

  • Support Mental Health Initiatives: Integrate sleep health into broader mental health programs, making resources like October's digital group sessions available to the workforce.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Promote Flexible Work Hours: Allow employees to start and end their workdays as needed to accommodate personal sleep patterns.

  • Encourage Breaks: Implement regular breaks throughout the day to reduce fatigue and maintain focus.

  • Create a Comfortable Work Environment: Ensure that workplaces are ergonomically designed and have proper lighting to support well-being.

  • Offer Workshops on Sleep Hygiene: Provide education on best practices for good sleep, including relaxation techniques and managing work-life balance.

  • Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Utilize platforms like October for group sessions and assessments that focus on stress management and sleep improvement strategies.