Sleep is not just a time-out for the body; it is a crucial biological process that restores the brain, rejuvenates the muscles, balances hormones, and consolidates memory. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced and highly-connected world, sleep has become a luxury many can hardly afford. Especially in Nigeria’s mega cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, where work routine often glorifies sleeplessness as a sign of hard work, good sleep is sadly undervalued. Yet, mounting global and local evidence continues to affirm that sleeping well is essential for living well, especially in enhancing productivity.
“It is time to move from crisis management to prevention, and that starts with prioritising natural, quality sleep.”
A one-on-one interviews, published January 2025, with populations of persons at least 18 years old, it was discovered that 11.8 percent complained of insomnia in 21 out of Nigeria’s 36 states including Abuja, while studies conducted with a regionally representative sample of elderly Nigerians aged 65 and above reported a prevalence rate of 30.72 percent. A further breakdown shows an estimated 32.8 percent of adults do not get enough sleep, meaning about one-third of the adult population is sleep-deprived. When you juxtapose this figure with the working population, the negative effects of sleeplessness on daily productivity are enormous.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adults require at least seven hours of quality sleep each night for optimal health. The World Sleep Society, which organises the World Sleep Day every year, emphasises that “quality sleep, sound mind, happy world” is not a slogan — it is a formula for success in life and productivity.
Research shows that poor sleep reduces cognitive function, lowers concentration, and impairs decision-making. A study published in the journal Sleep Health found that workers who slept less than six hours per night were 40 percent less productive than those who got the recommended sleep duration. In Nigeria, where job performance, academic excellence, and entrepreneurship are tightly linked to brain-power and energy, sleep must be seen not as a luxury but as a productivity tool.
The notion that sleep is synonymous with laziness among Nigerian youths and the working class has caused more harm than good. Although this may partly be due to socio-economic pressures, long commute hours, side hustles, and poor work-life balance force many to compromise on rest. It is not unusual to hear phrases like “Sleep is for the weak” or “I’ll sleep when I’m rich.”
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This mindset is counterproductive. In Lagos, for example, where workers can spend up to four hours daily in traffic, sleep deprivation is almost normalised. But the cost is heavy. According to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), over 60 percent of patients reporting chronic fatigue and stress-related illnesses in hospitals in the cities note inadequate sleep as a contributing factor.
Sleep is intimately connected to both mental and physical health. A well-rested brain is better at handling stress, making decisions, and managing emotions. On the other hand, lack of sleep is linked to a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. Physically, chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even breast cancer, according to medical research.
A growing concern in Nigeria is the number of young professionals turning to stimulants and sleep-inducing drugs to manage their sleep cycles. From overconsumption of coffee and energy drinks to misuse of sleeping pills, these coping mechanisms can have dangerous long-term effects. It is time to move from crisis management to prevention, and that starts with prioritising natural, quality sleep.
What we most know is that quality sleep is directly linked to improved concentration, sharper memory, better problem-solving skills, and enhanced creativity, irrespective of the field you play in. Studies by the National Sleep Foundation indicate that individuals who sleep well are up to 20 percent more efficient and 30 percent less likely to make costly mistakes at work or school.
In the Nigerian context, where the economy thrives on small businesses and the entertainment economy, alertness and sound decision-making are important. Entrepreneurs who are well-rested are more likely to identify opportunities, make sound financial decisions, and relate better with clients and staff. For students, better sleep equals better academic performance and a lower risk of burnout.
Despite environmental challenges, generator noise, traffic, and unpredictable power supply, Nigerians can still take steps toward better sleep health by using their bed only for sleep. Avoid working or eating in bed to train your brain that the bed is for rest. Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, even on weekends.
Researchers advise avoiding heavy meals and caffeine before bed, especially in Nigeria, where suya, shawarma, and indomie are popular late-night foods for many. Also, limit using cell phones before sleep, as the blue light from phones and laptops can delay melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep. And create a restful environment by using earplugs or white noise apps to block out environmental noise.
Meanwhile, the idea that sacrificing sleep is the price of success is a dangerous notion. Nature cannot be cheated – if you do not give your body the rest it needs, it will eventually demand it, sometimes through illness or breakdown. To live well, lead well, and work well, Nigerians must realise that sleeping well is not laziness but a strategy.
