Millions of Nigerans complain about not getting enough sleep. More often than not, stress is the main culprit. However, there are several causes for the sleep deprivation that demand medical attention. Even excess sleeping in itself is a sleeping disorder.
Speaking at the “World Sleep Day 2020” in Lagos, with the theme ‘better sleep, better lives, better planet’ Raymond Murphy, chief executive officer, Mouka said sleep is a necessary part of our lives and the indispensable aspect of our existence is beneficial to us in a lot of ways.
According to Murphy, while sleep may remain a puzzle to all of us, the role of sleep in mental and physical health which appears particularly relevant to life in this in this computer age, cannot be overemphasized. It is common knowledge that denying ourselves sleep for quite a long time makes us feel terrible; and that getting a good night sleep can make us feel ready to take on the World.
“Undoubtedly, adequate or quality sleep is critical to the maintenance of optimal health and well-being. This explains this annual occasion aimed at celebrating one of the nature’s gift to man,”
Murphy added that the World sleep day also served as a call to action regarding important issues related to sleep; including education, medicine and other social aspects. It also seeks to lessen the burdens of sleep problems in society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.
“And it is one the strength of this reputation that we join the World sleep society in raising awareness in Africa’s most populous black nation, about sleep disorders, their better understanding and preventability, and to reduce the burden of sleep problems that constitute a global epidemic which threatens the health and quality of life for as much as 45 percent of the World’s population,” he said.
The Mouka 2020 World Sleep Day was an extension of previous editions; it, however, offered additional dimension to the emphasis on health benefits of quality sleep as requirements for boosting overall health and economic growth.
Also speaking Nnenna Chigbo, vice president of Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) explained that good quality sleep consists of 7-9 hours, and among other things, reduces labour-related and road transport accidents as well as improve circadian clock which ultimately leads to reduced premature ageing.
“Better understanding of sleep conditions and more research into the area will help reduce the burden of sleep disorders in the society,” she said.
The World Sleep Day is aimed at celebrating the benefits of good and healthy sleep and to draw society’s attention to the burden of sleep problems and their medicine, education and social aspects as well as to promote the prevention and management of sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders include insomnia, a condition that makes it difficult to sleep at bedtime or stay awake all through the night; sleep apnea, a disorder that indicates abnormal breathing patterns while sleeping; narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that typifies falling asleep suddenly as well as extreme sleepiness during the day; and Restless Legs Syndrome, a sleep disorder that causes an uncomfortable sensation and an urge to move the legs while trying to fall asleep.
These disorders are all tied to the two key components of sleep which are sleep duration and sleep quality, both of which relate to the length of sleep and degree of interruptions during sleep. Both components may affect mental sharpness, physical vitality, emotional balance and productivity.
Sleep deprivation (or poor-quality sleep) is known to have a significant negative impact on health, in the short and long terms. Poor sleep has been associated with obesity, diabetes, weakened immune systems and cancer.
While Nigeria is yet to have facts and figures on the financial implications of sleep disorders, the global epidemic costs the United States over $400billion a year with Japan losing $138billion, Germany $60billion, the United Kingdom $50billion, and Canada $21billion.
Scientific findings have also shown that sleep is the ultimate performance enhancer. This forms the fulcrum of Mouka’s celebration of World Sleep Day.
In advocating a healthy sleep culture, the NSP’s leader who disclosed that the NSP ‘strongly recommends’ Mouka mattresses to the teeming consumers of the Nigerian mattress industry, also enjoined all to “Avoid heavy spicy or sugary foods, four hours before bedtime. Exercise regularly but not right before bed. Use comfortable bedding. Find a comfortable setting for sleeping and keep the room well ventilated. Block out all distracting noise and eliminate as much light as possible. Reserve the bed for sleep and sex; the NSP strongly recommends Mouka Foam.”
ANTHONIA OBOKOH
