Students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) are often encouraged to “burn the midnight candle” in pursuit of academic excellence. However, health expert has warned that sacrificing sleep for studies could lead to insomnia, negatively impacting mental health and overall performance.
Health professional at the institution, Mrs. Triumphant Omotosho, emphasised this concern in an interview with NIJTIMES on Monday, March 3.
She advised students to prioritise adequate rest, as sleep deprivation can hinder concentration, retention, and academic success.
According to the chief nurse, poor sleeping habits could lead to serious health issues and reduced academic performance. “Insomnia means sleep loss. The average human being should sleep at least six to eight hours daily. Ideally, seven hours,” she said.
She further explained that when students fail to get enough rest, their body organs, including the heart and liver, do not function properly, which can result in health complications such as high blood pressure.
Mrs. Omotosho stressed that students who do not sleep well often struggle to stay awake in class. “You can’t cheat nature. If you don’t sleep well at night, you won’t be able to assimilate in class during the day, and your body may eventually break down,” she warned.
Linking lack of sleep to cases of students fainting during exams, Mrs. Omotosho said that many students deprive themselves of food and rest in an attempt to study all at once.
In her words, “Most students try to cram all their reading into the last minute, neglecting their health. Some suffer from hypoglycemic shock due to low blood sugar levels, while others, including those with asthma, ignore their medications. This results in frequent medical emergencies during exams,” she said.
When asked how many hours of sleep students should get, she recommended at least seven hours. “It’s all about proper planning. If students leave school by 5 p.m., they should be home by 7 p.m. and in bed by 9pm. That way, they can wake up refreshed and ready for the next day.”
On what schools can do to encourage better sleeping habits, Mrs. Triumphant stressed that sleep is a personal responsibility. However, she urged the institution to continue educating students on the importance of self-care. “We are trying our best to raise awareness, but there is still room for improvement,” she concluded.
WHAT ARE STUDENTS SAYING?
For many students, getting a full night’s sleep is a rare luxury. With lectures starting as early as 8 AM, some students have to wake up by 4 AM to prepare for their long and exhausting journey to school. Those coming from distant areas like Ikorodu, Sango, and Mowe spend up to three hours in Lagos’ notorious traffic before they even set foot on campus. By the time lectures begin, fatigue has already taken hold.
A final year student, Osasere Osaretin, who lives in Ikorudu, revealed that, “Most days, I barely get four hours of sleep because I have to wake up before 5 AM to beat traffic. By afternoon, I’m already struggling to stay awake in class.”
The challenge goes beyond just waking up early. Many students return home late due to assignments, personal responsibilities, or part-time jobs, making proper rest almost impossible.
Another finalist, Titilope Ahmed, said, “I get home around 9 or 10 PM, and by the time I settle down, it’s already midnight. Then I have to wake up early again. It’s a cycle that leaves me drained.”
Even students who live closer to the school aren’t spared. Noise from shared apartments, distractions in private hostels, and late-night study sessions often cut into their sleep time.
While early morning lectures may be unavoidable, many students believe that small adjustments could make a big difference. Some suggest scheduling later classes for those coming from distant locations, while others advocate for better hostel arrangements near the campus to ease the stress of commuting.
Reliance Ayuk
