Site icon STOKVEL TALK

73% of South Africans Wake Up Exhausted: Local Startup’s Survey Exposes National Sleep Crisis

Reading Time: 2 minutes

From startup to standout, Sloom challenges big brands with modular innovation, local impact, and a nationwide sleep health survey that reveals South Africans are desperate for better rest.

In an industry long dominated by mass-produced, one-size-fits-all products, Sloom has emerged as the David taking on the Goliaths. As South Africa’s most innovative and fastest-growing sleep brand, Sloom is rewriting the rules of rest with a modular mattress, a locally manufactured product line, and a customer-first model that has turned the traditional bedding market on its head.

“For too long, the South African mattress industry was controlled by legacy brands focused on volume, not well-being,” says Rudo Kemp, founder of Sloom. “We’re here to do things differently; to help South Africans rest smarter, live better, and invest in sleep that actually serves them.”

Sloom pioneered South Africa’s only modular mattress, designed so users can personalise the firmness of each side (soft, medium, or firm) at home with no showroom guesswork required.

This customisable sleep solution is complemented by height-adjustable pillows and premium bedding, all available online through Sloom’s direct-to-consumer model, which removes middlemen, lowers costs, and delivers in 2–5 working days – nationwide.

December 2024 – March 2025 Sloom commissioned its first National Sleep Survey, drawing responses from over 2,000 South Africans across all provinces. The results revealed a stark reality:

· 73% of respondents report waking up tired at least three days per week

· 61% said their current mattress is older than 7 years

· 82% believe better sleep would significantly improve their focus, energy, and mood

· Nearly 1 in 2 admitted they’ve never researched what kind of mattress they actually need

These findings highlight a widespread gap between how much South Africans value sleep, and Sloom aims to close that gap by delivering affordable, adjustable, and wellness-aligned South African mattress solutions.

“We’re not just selling mattresses, we’re building a culture of rest,” says Kemp. “When people understand their sleep needs and have the right tools to meet them, everything changes: their health, their work, their relationships. We’re proud to be leading that change.”

Every Sloom product is manufactured locally using high-density premium foams, engineered for comfort and durability. The mattress is backed by a 25-year service warranty and a 100-night risk-free trial, a bold move in a market where quality assurance is often lacking.

Sloom also uses vacuum-compressed packaging that reduces shipping volume by over 70%, making it both eco-conscious and logistically efficient.

“Our goal was never to compete with global giants on price. It was to out-think and out-care them. We’re proudly South African, but globally relevant,” Kemp adds.

With hundreds of five-star reviews, a growing community of wellness-conscious customers, and top-tier sleep products crafted for South African homes, Sloom is becoming synonymous with better sleep in South Africa.

Sloom’s momentum is only growing – and its mission remains clear: to be the most trusted name in sleep health in South Africa, one mattress at a time