Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa Highlights the Critical Role of Deep Sleep for Health

At the Graphic National Development Series in Accra, Ghana, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, underscored the importance of 8 hours of deep sleep and good sleep habits for overall health. Speaking on Tuesday, Akosa emphasized that sleep is not a passive state but a period when the mind becomes highly active, processing the information gathered during the day.

Akosa highlighted that having dreams is a sign of good sleep quality. He noted, "That is when it packs all the information that you gathered during the day. If you sleep well, it packs well. This way, when you get up in the morning, you can remember." Conversely, he warned that not dreaming could indicate poor sleep quality, which can lead to health issues like hypertension.

To improve sleep quality, Akosa offered several practical tips. These included maintaining a comfortable room temperature, reducing noise from air conditioners or fans, and avoiding television before bedtime, as it can lead to shallow sleep. Additionally, he advised against the use of vegetable oils, which can increase cholesterol levels, recommending instead local traditional oils such as coconut, palm kernel, shea butter, and palm oil.

The Graphic National Development Series, organized by the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), focused on the theme 'Quality health for all.' Akosa's presentation, titled 'Acting to prevent rather than cure diseases — The way to sustainable health,' emphasized the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent diseases. Other notable speakers included Professor Fred Binka, foundation Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, who stressed the need for government support in providing adequate healthcare facilities.

Why this matters: Good sleep habits have a significant impact on overall health, and adopting healthy sleep practices can lead to a reduction in chronic diseases. Neglecting sleep quality can result in severe health consequences, including hypertension, and other related issues.

Functional MRI (fMRI) technology has shown that the brain is most active during sleep, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sleep regulation. Akosa's recommendations for managing sleep disorders include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-conducive environment, developing a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting screen exposure before bed, and avoiding stimulants and sedatives.

Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa's insights at the Graphic National Development Series highlighted the critical role of deep sleep and good sleep habits in maintaining overall health. His practical advice and emphasis on preventive measures highlight the significance of adopting healthy sleep practices for long-term well-being.

Key Takeaways

• 8 hours of deep sleep is crucial for overall health and brain function.
• Dreams indicate good sleep quality, while lack of dreams may signal poor sleep.
• Practical tips for better sleep include comfortable room temperature and avoiding TV before bed.
• Good sleep habits can prevent chronic diseases like hypertension and related issues.
• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and sleep-conducive environment is key to healthy sleep.