Lack of Rest Linked to Onset of Numerous Health Conditions

Dr Moyosore Makinde, a Consultant Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Founder of Lifestyle Champions International, has pinpointed sleep deprivation as the underlying cause of numerous diseases, a claim she made during a webinar hosted by her organization to commemorate World Sleep Day in Lagos.

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This annual event, observed on March 13, aims to highlight the crucial role sleep plays in maintaining good health, and Makinde, who is also the President of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria, spoke on the topic "Sleep Well, Live Better: Unlocking the Power of Healthy Sleep".

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According to Makinde, sleep is a periodic resting phase that helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, and she emphasized that sleeping well is essential for living better, dismissing the notion that it is merely a myth.

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Makinde noted that sleep is a vital yet often overlooked component of overall health, and she cautioned against equating limited sleep with strength, courage, or productivity, as this can have detrimental effects on one's health.

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Citing data from the World Sleep Society and the World Health Organisation, Makinde revealed that approximately 42 million adults worldwide are predicted to suffer from chronic insomnia, resulting in a staggering $417 billion loss in annual GDP due to reduced productivity.

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Furthermore, Makinde stated that over 16% of individuals in Africa and Asia have reported severe sleep problems, which are strongly linked to poorer overall well-being and quality of life, as well as psychiatric factors.

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Poor sleep and sleep deprivation, according to Makinde, are significant contributing factors to various diseases that afflict humans, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to other hidden costs such as reduced productivity and weakened immunity.

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Makinde identified common causes of poor sleep as stress and anxiety, irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen exposure, late meals or caffeine consumption, noise, and poor sleep environments, as well as underlying medical conditions.

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Many sleep problems, she noted, are lifestyle-related and reversible, and she highlighted the correlation between sleep deprivation and various cancers, as well as the link between poor sleep and increased stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.

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Makinde explained that adequate sleep is essential for promoting brain health by removing viruses and bacteria, which is crucial for maintaining good health, and she also noted that poor sleep efficiency and shorter sleep duration can lower resistance to the common cold.

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To achieve good and refreshing sleep, Makinde advised maintaining consistent sleep schedules, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and making the sleep environment conducive to rest.

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She also emphasized the importance of relaxation techniques, avoiding screens before bedtime, and steering clear of intense discussions or mindless scrolling, which can impair sleep quality and increase fatigue.

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A healthy diet, Makinde recommended, is essential for refreshing sleep, and she suggested consuming a high-fiber diet, avoiding heavy meals, and eating a balanced meal 3-4 hours before bedtime.

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Additionally, Makinde advised avoiding large volumes of water before bedtime and engaging in regular exercise to improve sleep quality, while also cautioning against exercising too close to bedtime.

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Makinde suggested using e-books, short educational video clips, and consultations as effective tools for communicating the importance of good sleep and promoting healthy sleep habits.