SLEEP;
H E R E ’ S T O H E A LT H
How Much is Necessary?
S
Dr Olamipo Bamigboje
H E R E ’ S T O H E A LT H
stay awake continuously to get work
Sleep requirements can differ from
done. An African (Yoruba) adage says
person to person; hence one size
‘the lifespan of work is always longer
may not fit all. However, on a general
than the lifespan of man”, therefore
note, the National Sleep Foundation
you can’t finish working in a lifetime,
recommends the following hours of
so what’s the point of not resting? The
sleep based on age classification
only one who can neither sleep nor slumber is God (Ps 121: 1).
leep is a beautiful thing; it is a necessity we are to enjoy to attain our aspirations. God gives
18-26 years: 7-9 hours
(6 or 10-11 hours maybe appropriate)
26-64 years: 7-9 hours
(6 or 10 hours maybe appropriate)
65 years and above: 7-8 hours
(5- 6 hours or 9 hours maybe appropriate)
his beloved sleep (Ps. 127: 7b) hence it is a good thing, but on
So, this can help determine if you are
the flip side “A little sleep, a little
falling behind on or accumulating
slumber, a little folding of the
sleep. Sleep issues occur in at least one
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Alcohol
hands to rest; so, shall poverty
in every three adults and about a third
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Environmental issues; shift work, jet
come like a prowler and your need
of the adult population seem to suffer
like an armed a man” (Pro. 24:
from lack of sufficient sleep. Sleep
33-34). Having established the
issues are usually greater in women at
fact that physically or materially
3: 2 ratio.
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lovers)
lag, noise, extremes of temperature zz
as the bible tells us “but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares’’ (Matt.13:5).
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Psychological issues e.g., depression, anxiety
Causes of lack of sleep can include but not limited to the following:
Causes of excess sleep can include but not limited to the following
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Poor sleep hygiene
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Medications e.g. opioids,
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Medical issues e.g., hypothyroidism
decongestants
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Psychological issues e.g. depression
Physiological conditions e.g.,
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Medications e.g. sedatives.
menopause
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Physiological issues e.g. pregnancy
So really, how much sleep is necessary as we know we can’t
Medical issues e.g. Pain, headaches, urinary concerns
speaking, sleep should be rationed, the spiritual aspect is not left out
Caffeine (yea yea, I see you coffee
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