Doctors Urge Seven to Nine Hours of Sleep Daily

On World Sleep Day, Dr. Moyosor Makind, President of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine Nigeria, advised that adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep daily to maintain good physical and mental health.

Speaking in Lagos, she noted that adequate sleep is vital for overall well-being and long-term health. The 2026 World Sleep Day theme, "Sleep Live Better," aims to raise awareness about the critical role of sleep in human health and encourage individuals to adopt healthier sleep habits.

Dr. Makind explained that while adults require fewer hours of sleep compared to infants and children, who need significantly longer periods for proper development, many people suffer from sleep deprivation due to various factors, including health challenges, lack of time, and poor sleep environments.

Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, a psychiatrist, highlighted that good sleep is essential for mental health, improving concentration, cognitive function, and emotional stability.

She stressed that sleep quality is as important as sleep duration for maintaining mental health.