Sleep is a natural state of reduced mental and physical activity in which consciousness is altered and sensory activity is partially inhibited.
Health professionals explain that during sleep, there is a significant decrease in muscle activity and interaction with the surrounding environment, allowing the body and mind to recover.
However, sleep patterns vary among individuals.
While some people make conscious efforts to get adequate rest, others increasingly treat sleep as a luxury, often influenced by work demands, economic pressures, and lifestyle choices.
In Kano, many residents say they are not getting enough sleep, raising concerns among health experts about the long-term effects of sleep deprivation.
A commercial driver, Ibrahim Sani, revealed that he sleeps for only four to five hours daily. According to him, the nature of his work makes it difficult to rest adequately.
“Sometimes I work late into the night and resume early in the morning just to make ends meet,” he said.
For Kate Ndidi, a tailor in Gwale, the situation is not much different. She explained that her daily responsibilities limit her sleep time.
“I sleep around midnight and wake up by 5 a.m. to prepare my children for school and attend to customers. I feel tired most days, but there’s no choice,” she said.
A university student, Maryam Ibrahim, also highlighted academic pressure and social media as contributing factors.
“I try to read at night because it’s quieter, but I also end up spending hours on my phone. On average, I get about five to six hours of sleep,” she noted.
For a trader, Aisha Muhammad, her experience differs from many others, as she manages to get adequate rest. She said she sleeps for about eight hours daily, a habit she attributes to her upbringing.
“I grew up with my grandmother, who always emphasized the importance of going to bed early and waking up refreshed. That routine has stayed with her”
Health experts warn that such patterns fall short of the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep for adults, putting individuals at risk of both immediate and long-term health complications.
A consultant physician at Aminu Kano teaching hospital AKTH Dr. Musa Bello pointed to a growing trend of sleep-related health issues in the state. According to him, the consequences of chronic sleep deprivation are far-reaching.
“Lack of adequate sleep affects almost every system in the body,” he said. “In the short term, people experience fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, and reduced productivity. Over time, it can lead to serious conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, weakened immunity, and even mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.”
Dr. Musa also noted a concerning increase in cases linked to poor sleep habits.
He further warned that insufficient sleep can impair judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of road accidents and workplace errors.
Public health advocates are now calling for greater awareness about the importance of good sleep hygiene. Simple measures such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can make a significant difference.
As Kano continues to grow and evolve, the challenge remains for residents to strike a balance between productivity and rest. For many, reclaiming those lost hours of sleep could be key to better health and an improved quality of life.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
