Health expert urges Nigerians to get 7–9 hours of sleep daily

A medical expert has advised adults to get between seven and nine hours of sleep daily to maintain good physical and mental health.

Moyosore Makinde, consultant family and lifestyle medicine physician, gave the advice on Friday in Lagos while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria to mark World Sleep Day with the theme: “Sleep Well, Live Better”.

Makinde, who is also president of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria, said adequate sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall wellbeing, productivity and long-term health.

Makinde said recommended sleep duration varies by age, adding that adults require fewer hours of sleep compared to infants and children who need longer periods for proper development.

Citing World Health Organisation guidelines, Makinde said adults aged 18 and above should get seven to nine hours of restorative sleep daily.

She said many Nigerians suffer from sleep deprivation, noting that lack of adequate sleep could negatively affect health, safety and overall wellbeing.

She said sleep deprivation is driven by factors such as health challenges, social media addiction and poor sleeping environments.

Makinde also cited unhealthy sleep positions and demanding work schedules as contributing factors.

She said prolonged sleep deprivation increases the risk of accidents and judgment errors, adding that the condition also raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and certain cancers.

She said: “Sleeping well in order to live better is not a myth. Sleep remains one of the most powerful yet often neglected pillars of health and well-being in modern society. To maintain good health, adults should have seven to nine restorative hours of sleep per day.

“It is a natural state of rest and a period when the body repairs itself physiologically, restoring energy, strengthening immunity and supporting overall bodily functions.

“Amid the hustle and bustle of work, study and business, particularly in Lagos, Nigerians need to prioritise sleep. In doing so, we are also prioritising our health.”