Professor Gregory Erhavor, a medical specialist, warns that lack of sleep can lead to both immediate and long-lasting health issues, emphasizing that insufficient rest may shorten one’s lifespan.
During his keynote speech titled “Holistic Sleep Wellness: Understanding the Relationship Between Rest, Well-being, and Financial Growth in Developing Nations,” Professor Erhabor spoke at the inaugural scientific gathering and annual assembly of the Nigerian Sleep Society held at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Erhabor stated that sleep is considered one of the three foundations of well-being, along with nutrition and physical activity.
As he points out, certain conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea are recognized risk factors for various cardiovascular issues including hypertension, stroke, and myocardial infarction.
The specialist asserted that quality sleep is crucial for rejuvenating both the body and brain, strengthening memories, conserving energy, as well as regulating metabolic processes and immune function.
There is growing evidence suggesting that insufficient sleep poses risks such as heart disease, impaired physiological functions, mental and cognitive deficiencies, along with mood and emotional disturbances.
“Now, this so-called sufficiency of sleep has a lot of things associated with it, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, risk-taking behaviours, depression, industrial accidents, problems of traffic safety and hypertension.”
The specialist observed that the occurrence of sleep issues has risen considerably due to the shift towards greater technological use.
He declared that the body of scientific evidence has agreed that sleeping for less than seven hours is not good sleep, and if it exceeds nine hours, it is excessive.
Professor Erhabor stated that addressing sleep issues demands purposefulness instead of a reactive strategy.
As he stated: “A unified approach from various medical fields is essential to curb these pandemics due to their extensive effects on physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, and economic stability within our community.”
There is a requirement for additional research and the creation of centers dedicated to both treatment and investigation nationwide.
The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Adebayo Bamire, speaking via the Provost of the university’s College of Health Sciences, Professor Babatope Kolawole, stated that sleep disorders encompass every medical specialty. Consequently, both the university and the college greatly value societal efforts in this area.
Executive Director of the World Sleep Society, Allan O’Bryan, in a remark, said the inaugural scientific conference marks an inspiring step forward for sleep health in Nigeria.
As he stated, “Given the limited number of official sleep societies throughout Africa, the Nigerian Sleep Society marks a significant and essential step forward for our community.”
Your leadership highlights distinct challenges and possibilities in this area, covering issues like addressing sleep disorders within marginalized groups as well as examining how sleep relates to public health and economic growth.
Professor Modupe Komolafe, a specialist in neurology and the local organizing chairperson for the event, highlighted that contemporary living often undervalues the significance of adequate rest. She pointed out serious repercussions linked with insufficient sleep, such as increased risk of traffic collisions and heightened mortality rates due to heart conditions and psychological problems among young individuals.
“That’s precisely why we’re stepping in now to provide guidance and policies for the government. This intervention comes at a critical juncture when individuals residing in metropolitan areas such as Lagos struggle with their sleep patterns, which consequently impacts productivity and overall quality of life.”
READ MORE: Sleep and My Well-being
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