Delegate: Oluwatosin Olorunmoteni
Delegate Short Bio: I am a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician who is passionate about children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep disorders. I run the Paediatric Neurology clinic at the Ife Hospital Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) where I evaluate children with various neurodevelopmental and sleep disorders. My research interest is mainly in Paediatric Sleep and Neuro-developmental paediatrics, including Early Childhood Development. I have conducted epidemiological studies to elucidate the burden and contributory factors to sleep problems in Nigerian children and adolescents, and currently piloting a sleep education intervention for improving sleep health among Nigerian adolescents. This intervention program is sponsored by the International Pediatric Sleep Association through the Impact in Pediatric Sleep Award. Furthermore, as a member of the Sleep Research Team in my institution, I conduct multidisciplinary research in Paediatric sleep. I have also been a part of sleep awareness activities carried out by the team from 2016 to date. I am also a member of the Nigerian Sleep Society and the African Sleep Medicine Network. As a member of these societies, I have made inputs to Sleep education interventions in the region and the nation. Our activities are aimed at expanding research and advocacy in sleep medicine in our environment while creating awareness about sleep health and sleep disorders. I coordinate a multidisciplinary team at the Child Development Centre of our institution.
Scope of Activity: Campaign
Activity: In celebration of World Sleep Day, a series of sensitization activities was carried out between the 10th and 12th March 2026 to promote awareness on the importance of healthy sleep practices among children, parents, and caregivers
On the 10th of March 2026, the team visited the Obafemi Awolowo University International School (OAUIS), a public school within the OAUTHC community, where a sensitization session was delivered to students during the morning assembly. This session also provided an opportunity to give a recap of key lessons previously taught under the Sleep More Project, a grant-supported initiative that has been ongoing since 2025. The schools visited for this engagement have been part of a study on Adolescent sleep health since 2022. The engagement reinforced students’ understanding of healthy sleep habits and emphasized the role of sleep in overall well-being and academic performance.
The sensitization activities continued on the 11th of March 2026 at Moreni High School, where students were similarly engaged on the importance of sleep and its impact on daily functioning. On the same day, the team had the opportunity to address parents during the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting. This session created a platform for parents to learn about sleep hygiene, recognize common sleep challenges in children and adolescents, and understand practical ways to support healthy sleep routines at home. Both students and parents actively participated, asking questions and sharing personal experiences, which enriched the discussions and made the sessions more interactive.
On the 12th of March 2026, the team extended the sensitization to caregivers attending the General Neurology Clinic at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). This session was particularly targeted at caregivers of children with developmental delays and disabilities. The discussion focused on sleep disorders commonly associated with such conditions, their impact on both the child and the family, and practical strategies for management. Caregivers were allowed to ask questions and share their concerns, fostering a supportive and informative environment.
Importantly, the sensitization was not limited to children alone but also addressed sleep-related issues in adults, recognizing the broader impact of sleep on overall family health and well-being.
Overall, these activities provided a valuable platform for continuous community engagement, knowledge reinforcement, and awareness creation on the importance of sleep across different population groups
Location: Ile-Ife, Osun State
Date of Activity: 10th to 12th March
