Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri 
If your body were a smartphone, sleep would be the overnight charging that powers you for the next day. Without it, no matter how new or advanced the device, the battery runs low, the apps crash, and the system lags. In the same way, rest is not a luxury, it is your body’s most essential maintenance tool.
For centuries, cultures worldwide have understood rest not only as physical necessity but also as a sacred act. In the Bible, God rested on the seventh day. In the Qur’an, night is described as a covering, a time for repose. Both science and spirituality agree deep, restorative sleep is medicine for the mind, body, and soul.
The Science of Sleep as Medicine
When you close your eyes at night, your body is far from idle. Sleep is when your brain sorts and stores memories, your cells repair themselves, and your immune system strengthens its defenses.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Skimping on it weakens immunity, raises stress hormone levels, increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and dulls mental focus. Chronic sleep deprivation is now considered as harmful as smoking in terms of its long-term health impact.
During deep sleep, your body releases growth hormone, which repairs muscles and tissues. Your brain also undergoes a cleansing process through the glymphatic system, flushing out toxins that, if left behind, can contribute to memory problems and degenerative diseases.
The Spiritual Dimension of Rest
Beyond the biology, rest has always been woven into human spiritual life. Ancient traditions saw sleep not just as recovery but as renewal, a time when the soul reconnects with the divine.
In Christianity, rest is linked with trust: Laying down to sleep is an act of surrender, acknowledging that you are not the one holding the world together overnight. In Islam, night prayers and mindful preparation for bed are ways to end the day in peace, aligning body and spirit.
When approached mindfully, sleep becomes a form of worship, a way to honor the body God has given you.
Why Nigerians Are Sleeping Less
From Lagos to Kano, the pressures of urban living, economic demands, and digital distractions are stealing hours of rest. Many people work late into the night, while others spend precious bedtime scrolling through endless videos and messages.
The result? A nation running on empty—short-tempered drivers, forgetful employees, anxious students, and overworked parents all linked by one thing: exhaustion.
How to Restore Rest in a Fast-Paced World
1. Create a Sleep Sanctuary – Your bedroom should signal peace. Dim the lights, reduce clutter, and keep electronics out of reach.
2. Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends.
3. Digital Sunset – Turn off screens at least an hour before bed. The blue light from devices delays melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep.
4. Mindful Evening Rituals – Pray, read, or practice deep breathing to transition from busyness to restfulness.
5. Watch What You Consume – Avoid caffeine, heavy meals, and excess sugar in the evening.
The Power Nap – A Midday Reset
Even if you can’t get 8 hours at night, a short 15–20-minute nap in the afternoon can boost alertness, mood, and memory. Be careful not to nap too long, as this can interfere with night sleep.
The Bigger Picture – Rest as Resistance
In a culture that glorifies hustle, choosing to rest is a radical act. It says; my value is not measured by constant output. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car non-stop without refueling, you shouldn’t expect your body to perform endlessly without quality rest.
Sleep is not time wasted, it is time invested in your health, your purpose, and your peace. When you honour rest, you wake not just refreshed but renewed—ready to think clearly, love deeply, and live fully.
Whether you see it through the lens of science or spirituality, rest remains one of life’s greatest healers. Tonight, when you lay your head on the pillow, remember this is not just the end of your day—it’s the medicine your tomorrow depends on.
Dr. MAYMUNAH YUSUF KADIRI (aka DR. MAY) popularly referred to as “The Celebrity Shrink,” is a multiple award winning Mental Health Physician, Advocate & Coach. She is the convener of “The Mental Health Conference” and the Medical Director and Psychiatrist-In-Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, Dr. Kadiri is a dynamic Consultant Neuro-Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCPsych) with almost 20 years’ experience as a practicing Physician.