Lagos State, Nigeria — Medical experts in Nigeria are advising adults to ensure they get between seven and nine hours of sleep each day, warning that poor sleep habits can seriously affect both physical and mental health.
The advice was given on Friday in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria in West Africa, as health professionals marked World Sleep Day, an international health awareness event that highlights the importance of healthy sleep habits.
A Consultant Family and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr Moyosore Makinde, said adequate sleep remains a critical pillar of overall wellbeing, productivity, and long-term health. Makinde also serves as the President of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria, a professional body that promotes lifestyle-based approaches to disease prevention and health improvement.
Okay News reports that World Sleep Day 2026, themed “Sleep Well, Live Better,” aims to raise global awareness about the vital role sleep plays in maintaining good health and encouraging people to adopt healthier sleeping patterns.
Makinde explained that recommended sleep duration differs across age groups. While adults typically require fewer hours of rest, infants and children need longer sleep periods to support proper physical growth and brain development.
Citing guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), a United Nations agency responsible for international public health, Makinde recommended that adults aged 18 and above should aim for between seven and nine hours of restorative sleep each day.
She expressed concern about widespread sleep deprivation among many people, noting that large numbers of individuals fail to get adequate sleep daily. According to her, this trend can negatively affect health, safety, and overall wellbeing.
Makinde said the demanding pace of modern life often leaves little time for proper rest. She urged people to intentionally prioritise sleep by creating time for relaxation and recovery despite their busy schedules.
According to her, several factors contribute to sleep deprivation, including health problems, time pressures, excessive use of social media, uncomfortable sleeping environments, unhealthy sleeping positions, and demanding work or survival-related routines.
Makinde warned that prolonged lack of sleep can significantly increase the risk of several health problems. These include accidents, poor decision-making, workplace mistakes, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, excessive weight gain, and certain cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.
“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.
“Infants require up to 16 to 17 hours of sleep, while pre-school and school-age children need up to 13 hours and 12 hours, respectively, for proper brain development,” Makinde added.
Makinde emphasised that sleep is as essential to human survival as food, water, and air.
“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,” she said.
Also speaking on the issue, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, a psychiatrist and therapist, described sleep as a critical component of mental wellbeing.
Kadiri is the Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Services, a private mental health and wellness centre based in Lagos.
She explained that good sleep helps improve concentration, strengthens brain performance, and contributes positively to emotional stability and overall cognitive functioning.
Kadiri noted that adequate sleep also supports key mental processes and can reduce symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, making it a fundamental part of maintaining good mental health.
According to her, healthy sleep goes beyond simply spending many hours in bed. It also requires consistent sleep patterns and high-quality rest that is uninterrupted and refreshing.
“Sleep significantly benefits mental health. During a good night’s sleep, the brain gets rest and all the nutrients it needs.
“A person who enjoys long-term good sleep develops improved stress resistance. Brain function improves, and the risk of cognitive disorders is significantly reduced over time.
“Sleep has a direct impact on mental health and its quality. It helps process emotions and alleviates stress as well as negative feelings,” Kadiri said.
Health experts say that improving sleep habits can play a major role in preventing illness and improving both physical and psychological wellbeing.
