Why Nigerian Youths Are Sleeping Less Than 6 Hours a Night
“Sleep is supposed to be the cheapest luxury—but for many Nigerian youths, it has become the rarest commodity.”
Across Lagos and other bustling Nigerian cities, a new lifestyle crisis is emerging—chronic sleep deprivation. Surveys show that over 40% of Nigerians sleep less than six hours per night, well below the 7–9 hours recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). For many young people, the night has become the only time to hustle, scroll, or escape the daily grind. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The Alarming Sleep Deficit
Sleep used to be seen as a natural necessity; now, it’s a sacrifice. Between jammed commutes, unpredictable work schedules, and the pressure to “make it,” rest has become a privilege.
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Lagos averages 3–5 hours of commuting daily, stealing precious rest time.
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A recent Nigerian Sleep Society report (2024) found that young adults aged 18–35 are the most sleep-deprived demographic in the country.
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Only 1 in 3 youths regularly meet the recommended sleep quota, with many citing “no time” or “hustle” as their main reason.
“I leave home by 5 a.m., return by 10 p.m., and still have to run my online shop at night. Sleep is not even on my budget,” says Chiamaka, 25, a fashion reseller in Surulere.
Lagos Stress and the Hustle Economy
Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stands at 53%, and underemployment affects about 20% of the same group. In Lagos—the city of both dreams and desperation—this creates a culture of overwork.
Young people juggle multiple hustles: a 9-to-5, a side gig, and sometimes even another gig on weekends. Late-night printing jobs, delivery runs, and freelance deadlines stretch into the early hours.
“If I sleep too much, hunger will wake me,” says Kunle, 27, a freelance designer who works between Ikeja and Yaba.
This constant grind—often celebrated online with hashtags like #NoDaysOff and #SleepIsForTheWeak—has turned sleep deprivation into a badge of honor.
Phone Addiction and the Midnight Scroll
Beyond work, another silent thief of rest is the smartphone glow. Social media, streaming platforms, and late-night chats have rewired the Nigerian night.
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Data from a 2024 NCC report shows the average Nigerian youth spends 4.5 hours on their phone nightly.
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TikTok, Instagram Reels, and WhatsApp groups spike in usage between 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Blue light emitted from phone screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep, leaving the brain alert when it should be winding down.
“I keep saying I’ll sleep early, but I end up watching skits on Instagram until 1 a.m.,” admits Bolu, 22, a university student in Akoka.
The Mental & Physical Cost
Sleep is more than rest—it’s maintenance. Chronic deprivation is linked to:
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48% higher risk of depression and anxiety (Nigerian Sleep Society, 2024)
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Increased risk of hypertension and heart disease
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Weight gain and hormonal imbalance
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Lower productivity and poor decision-making
Many youths report waking up tired, dependent on caffeine, and struggling to focus at work or school.
Cultural & Social Pressures
There’s a saying in Lagos: “You can rest when you’re rich.” This mantra fuels a culture where rest is seen as laziness, and overexertion as success.
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Detty December and nightlife culture normalize being active past midnight.
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Hustle influencers flaunt “all-nighters” as proof of commitment.
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Fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps young people online during the most crucial hours of rest.
“If you sleep too early, you miss the gist. Everyone is active at night,” laughs Seyi, 24, a digital marketer.
Breaking the Cycle
Reclaiming sleep starts with small, intentional steps:
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Digital curfew: Turn off screens an hour before bed.
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Rethink hustle: Work smarter, not longer. Avoid “vampire schedules” unless essential.
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Commute hacks: Relocate closer to work if possible, or explore remote/flexible options.
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Invest in sleep hygiene: Dark curtains, reduced caffeine after 6 p.m., and consistent bedtimes.
“Lagosians are not lazy; they’re overstimulated,” says Dr. Ada Eze, a sleep researcher. “Better urban planning and workplace reforms could add two hours of rest back to the average youth’s day.”
The Bigger Picture
The youth are Nigeria’s most vibrant demographic—innovative, ambitious, and restless. But with more than 50% living in a constant state of sleep debt, the nation risks burning out its brightest minds before they ever shine.
A good night’s rest may not fix Nigeria’s economic woes, but it could give its youth the energy to fight for a better tomorrow.