Delegate: Morenikeji Komolafe, President , Nigerian Sleep Society
Delegate Short Bio: I am a Professor of Neurology at Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU), Ile Ife Nigeria.
I am the head of Neurology at the University of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
I am the President of the Nigerian Sleep Society, coordinator of the OAU sleep Research group, involving other multidisciplinary clinical and allied health careteam members
I have also been actively involved in organizing Sleep awareness campaigns in Osun state and all over Nigeria. I have previously served as a PI in a couple of multidisciplinary collaborative research works in Nigeria.
I am also a member of the Governing Council of the World Sleep Society and I represent Africa on the Board.
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Scope of Activity: Campaign of multiple activities
Activity: Our Activities reports:
Nigerian Sleep Society
World Sleep Day Celebration Activity calendar:
March 9
– Health outreach – OAU taff School
7.50am
March 10
– Health outreach – Sunshine Primary School
12.30pm
March 11
– Osun State Ministry of Health Courtesy Visit
March 13
– Symposium @ OAUTHC Audiorium
11.30am
March 14
– Radio Health Talk @ Great FM, OAU
12.30pm
– March 16
Osun State House of Assembly Courtesy Visit
March 17
– FRSC Health Policy Visit
8am
March 18
– NURTW Field Trip & Research
8am
Feedback from one of the schools visited:
World Sleep Day Celebration at Sunshine
We recently hosted the Nigerian Society of Sleep, who shared valuable insights on the importance of sleep for children’s growth, cognitive function, and mood regulation.
Here are the key takeaways:
Healthy Sleep Habits for Children (2-12 years)
1. Establish a bedtime routine (bath, brushing, storytelling)
2. Create a sleep-friendly environment (dark, quiet, cool)
3. Limit screen time before bed
4. Encourage relaxing activities (reading, storytelling)
5. Set a regular sleep schedule
6. Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime
7. Monitor food and drink intake
Additional Tips
8. Morning sunlight helps regulate sleep
9. Daytime exercise promotes better sleep
10. Limit naps for older children
11. Encourage self-bedtime routines
12. Maintain sleep schedule on weekends
Age-Specific Guidelines
– 2-3 years: 10-13 hours sleep (including naps)
– 4-5 years: 10-12 hours
– 6-12 years: 9-11 hours
– Create a cozy sleep space with nightlights or stuffed animals
Common Sleep Challenges & Solutions
1. Bedtime resistance: consistent routine, offer choices
2. Difficulty falling asleep: relaxation techniques, calm environment
3. Night waking/nightmares: reassurance, coping strategies
4. Early wake-ups: adjust bedtime, dark/quiet room
5. Refusing to sleep alone: gradual transition
6. Waking up for school: gentle wake-up light, consistent morning routine
7. Sleep associations: gradually wean off
The very informative talk was followed by a lively question and answer session.
The guest speakers were amazed at the attentiveness of the children to the talk and the quality of the questions they asked.
They didn’t fail to add that our children’s level of responses were well above their peers in other schools.
_Questions and Answers
8. Why do I have to sleep?: “Sleep helps your body grow strong and your brain work properly. It’s like charging your favorite toy so it works well again.”
9. What happens when I sleep?: “When you sleep, your body repairs and grows, and your brain sorts out the fun things you did during the day.”
10. Can I sleep with my parents?: “Sometimes, but it’s also nice for you to have your own cozy sleep space. Let’s make your bed special!”
11. Why can’t I stay up late?: “Sleep helps you grow and have fun tomorrow.!”
12. Why do I dream?: “Dreams are like movies in your head while you sleep. Sometimes they’re fun, sometimes weird – but they’re all yours!”
13. What are nightmares?: “Nightmares are scary dreams. They can be scary, but you’re safe, and Mummy/Daddy are there to help.”
14. Why do I wake up in the middle of the night?: “Sometimes you might wake up because you need something or had a dream. It’s best to try to go back to sleep, ?”
15. Is it I have bedtime stories?: “Yes. Reading helps you relax and sleep better.”
16. Why do I have to go to bed at the same time every day?: “A routine helps your body know when it’s sleep time, so you’ll be happy and healthy.”
17. Can I sleep with a light on/off?: Try sleeping with a nightlight if you’re scared, but darkness helps you sleep better.”
18. _ Why does bed wetting happen?_: “Accidents happen! It’s normal, and you can work together with your parents to find ways to wake up and use the bathroom at night. Talk to Mummy/Daddy about it.”
19. Why should I not sleep with parents?: “Sometimes it’s nice to sleep with Mummy and Daddy, but it’s also important for you to have your own special sleep space.”
20. Can I bath at 4 a.m. and go back to bed: “We don’t usually bathe at 4 a.m., that’s quite late/early! Let’s stick to our usual bath time routine before bed, and get plenty of sleep.”
21. _Why do we need to sleep?: “Sleep is like a special recharge for our bodies and brains. It helps us grow strong, think clearly, and feel happy. Just like how we charge our toys, sleep helps charge us up for the next day!”
22. Why can Mummy and Daddy sleep together but I sleep alone?: “Mummy and Daddy are grown-ups, and they need their own special sleep space together. You have your own special sleep space too, and it’s like having your own adventure land where you can dream about all the fun things you’ll do tomorrow!”
23. Why do people sleepwalk?: “Sleepwalking is like having a special adventure at night! Your body gets up and does things while your brain is still sleeping. It’s not something you do on purpose, and Mummy and Daddy are there to help you stay safe.”
24. What causes sleepwalking?: “Sleepwalking happens when you’re in a deep sleep and your brain gets a bit mixed up. It can be caused by genetics, sleep deprivation, stress, or certain medical conditions.”
It was a fulfilling one hour programme …
and nobody fell asleep during it!
Let’s work together to promote healthy sleep habits for our children!
Sleep Well!
Live Better!
Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Date of Activity: March 9 -March 18 , 2026.
