Abuja: A mental health expert, Mr. Samuel Junaidu, has advised Nigerians not to dismiss persistent sleep difficulties, emphasizing that chronic insomnia could signify underlying mental or physical health issues that require immediate medical attention. Junaidu, a psychiatric expert at the Behavioural Monitoring Unit (BMU), Karu General Hospital, Abuja, shared this advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Junaidu highlighted that individuals who consistently struggle to fall asleep or return to sleep should seek professional assessment instead of assuming that the problem stems from an uncomfortable sleeping environment or temporary inconvenience. He explained that insomnia could be linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, emotional trauma, substance withdrawal, hormonal changes, and other medical issues requiring appropriate clinical management.
Junaidu further elaborated that excessive worrying about work, financial obligations, family responsibilities, and personal goals could keep the brain in a heightened state of alertness, disrupting sleep patterns. He also noted that traumatic experiences could disturb sleep through nightmares and emotional distress, making it difficult for affected individuals to return to sleep after waking at night.
The expert pointed out that hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, could contribute to sleep disturbances. He added that conditions like dementia might also be associated with chronic insomnia, necessitating a medical review. Junaidu cautioned against confusing deliberate wakefulness for work or entertainment with genuine efforts to sleep that are thwarted by insomnia.
Persistent sleep difficulties, he warned, could lead to fatigue, low energy, poor concentration, mood changes, and reduced productivity, affecting daily activities and overall well-being. To combat this, Junaidu advised adopting healthy sleep habits, such as reducing night-time screen exposure, limiting afternoon caffeine intake, avoiding prolonged daytime naps, and maintaining a dark, quiet sleeping environment.
Additionally, the expert recommended regular daytime exercise and advised against excessive fluid intake before bedtime to minimize unnecessary night-time waking. He urged those experiencing persistent insomnia to visit a health facility for proper assessment and diagnosis, stressing that understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective management and recovery.
Junaidu warned against self-medication, stating that treating insomnia without identifying its cause could delay addressing a more serious condition and increase the risk of dependence or complications. He emphasized that early professional intervention could prevent chronic sleep problems from impacting an individual’s mental well-being, productivity, and relationships, while supporting timely treatment and recovery.