8 HOURS SLEEP DAILY ESSENTIAL FOR BRAIN HEALTH
— Expert
NIGERIANS have been advised to get at least eight hours of sleep daily to be in optimal health.
A Consultant on Mental Health and Sleep Physician from Toronto University, Dr Adeoye Adefemi told Nigerians to strive to get adequate sleep daily by ensuring that the duration, continuity and depth of their sleep should be at a minimum of eight hours.
Adefemi, who consults with the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, said quality sleep helps restore body functioning, boosts immunity and helps in conservation of energy.
“Sleep should be deep enough to be restorative. And when you wake up, you should feel well -rested.
Quality sleep plays critical role in learning and memory. It helps to identify what is essential and aid retentive memory,“said Adefemi.
He spoke during the commemoration of the 2019 World Sleep Day at a forum by Vitafoam Nigeria Plc., Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of flexible, reconstituted and rigid foam products. Recommending regular exercise, Adefemi advised that in preparing for good sleep, caffeine-containing drinks should be avoided six hours before bedtime.
Sensitising Nigerians on the health benefits of quality sleep, the Commercial Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sola Owoade, reiterated the company’s commitment to production of innovative products that guarantee healthy sleep.
He said good quality sleep is a major priority for Vitafoam.
Quoting from Dr. Erik St Louis of Mayo Centre for Sleep Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, he said for most adults, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night may be the most important thing to improve future physical and mental health.
“Children need even more sleep for optimal learning and play. Recent research shows the importance of adequate amount of sleep for brain health. Sleep also keeps the brain working best, especially when learning,” he remarked.
@ Vanguard Newspaper
