A Consultant Family and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr. Moyosore Makinde, has warned that sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing certain non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Makinde, who is also the President of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg), made the statement during an interview with reporters in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to her, studies indicate that people who do not get enough quality sleep are more likely to fall ill when exposed to viruses, such as the common cold.
“Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and affects how quickly an individual recovers from sickness,” she said.
Makinde explained that during sleep, the immune system produces proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. She added that the body needs more of certain types of cytokines, particularly when fighting an infection, dealing with inflammation, or under stress.
“Insufficient sleep may reduce the production of these protective cytokines, and lower the levels of antibodies and cells that fight infections,” she said.
The physician also noted that sleep deprivation contributes to a significant number of road accidents in Nigeria and can affect over 700 genes in the human body.
“Aside from causing fatal traffic accidents and errors in judgment at work, sleep insufficiency increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
“So, the body needs adequate sleep to fight diseases and infections,” Makinde emphasized.
Contributing to the discussion, the General Secretary of SOLONg, Dr. Chika Anozie, explained that the recommended duration of sleep varies by age.
Anozie, also a Family Physician, said the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends seven to eight hours of restorative sleep for adults aged 18 and above, while infants and children require more.
“Infants may require up to 16 hours of sleep, pre-school children up to 13 hours, and school-age children around 12 hours. Adequate sleep is vital for proper brain development,” he said.
Anozie advised Nigerians to make time for sleep, rest, and relaxation.
“Sleep is as important as the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. It allows the body to repair itself physiologically. Amid the hustle and bustle of work, study, business, and leisure, Nigerians must prioritize sleep to protect their health,” he said.
