Medical experts have advised adults to sleep seven to nine hours per night to maintain good physical and mental health.
Dr. Moyosore Makinde, a Consultant Family and Lifestyle Medicine Physician and President of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria, gave the advice on Friday in Lagos while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria to mark World Sleep Day 2026. The theme this year is “Sleep Well, Live Better,” highlighting sleep’s critical role in overall health and encouraging healthier sleep habits.
Makinde emphasized that sleep duration varies by age, with adults needing fewer hours, while infants and children require significantly more for proper growth and development. She cited World Health Organization guidelines, recommending seven to nine hours of restorative sleep for adults over 18. Infants may require up to 16–17 hours, preschoolers up to 13 hours, and school-age children around 12 hours.
She expressed concern about widespread sleep deprivation, attributing it to factors such as busy lifestyles, health issues, social media addiction, poor sleep environments, and demanding daily schedules.
“Sleeping well is not a myth. Sleep remains one of the most powerful yet often neglected pillars of health. Adequate sleep repairs the body, restores energy, strengthens immunity, and supports overall physiological functions,” Makinde said.
Prolonged sleep deprivation, she warned, can increase the risk of accidents, workplace errors, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. She urged Nigerians, particularly in fast-paced cities like Lagos, to prioritize rest and recovery daily.
Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, a psychiatrist and Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Services, also highlighted sleep’s role in mental health, stating that good sleep improves concentration, cognitive function, emotional balance, and stress resilience. She stressed that quality sleep involves not only duration but also uninterrupted, refreshing sleep and a consistent schedule.
“Sleep significantly benefits mental health. During a good night’s sleep, the brain rests, processes emotions, and alleviates stress. Over time, adequate sleep improves cognitive performance and reduces the risk of mental disorders,” Kadiri said.
Both experts underscored that sleep is as vital as food, water, and air, and prioritizing it is essential for maintaining long-term health and well-being.
NAN
