₦airaland Forum

The article headline appears damning and alarming. I agree. Ignore it for a second and focus on the crux of the matter. On the 6th of February 2026, a Ghanaian nurse named Richmond Mensah, a father of one, went to sleep in preparation for a night shift and never woke up. He was just 33. He left behind his wife and a 14-month-old daughter. His story is not an isolated case. Similarly, Samuel Acquah, a Ghanaian nurse at Southend University Hospital in Essex, died in his sleep in August 2025, leaving behind a wife and two children in Ghana. The list of Ghanaian healthcare workers who have died suddenly is long and well-documented online.

In recent years, many immigrants have passed away under circumstances linked to stress. There is a sleeplessness epidemic across the Western world. Due to the high cost of living, people literally work around the clock to make ends meet. Many people take on both night and day shifts, hoping their situation will eventually improve. Approximately one in three adults in the UK experiences sleep problems or symptoms of insomnia, with over 80 percent of the population affected by poor sleep at some point. Recent data suggests that more than half of UK adults, 51 percent, do not get enough sleep, and around 10 percent suffer from persistent, chronic insomnia. According to Aviva, key factors affecting sleep in the UK include financial worries, affecting 45 percent of people, stress, and work-related issues.

The implication is clear. Stress takes a toll on the human body and can destroy it if left unchecked. There is a saying in academia that the shorter your sleep, the shorter your life. It was popularised by British sleep expert Matt Walker, PhD, an author, scientist, and professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.

If you sleep more, you live longer. If you sleep less, your lifespan reduces. According to the NHS, adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep, while children need 9 to 13 hours daily. Sleep is central to human health and wellbeing. It affects overall human functioning. Lack of sleep impacts memory, processing speed, and mood. It even affects the size of a man’s testicles. Furthermore, the strength of a man’s genes can be weakened by sleep deprivation. The immune system is also compromised. In addition, sleep affects physical strength and motivation. Mental health is not spared either. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression and other serious conditions, such as obesity, body pains, high blood pressure, dizziness, and even heart attacks or cardiac arrest.

In recent years, how many Nigerians who move abroad can truly boast of meeting the daily sleep threshold of 7 to 9 hours? It is a very small percentage. Most Nigerians who relocate abroad are absorbed into the blue-collar sector, where jobs are physically demanding and emotionally exhausting. The pay is often modest, and to meet bills and responsibilities, many are forced to work unsociable hours.

In the UK, for example, coming in as a student is particularly challenging. Highly indebted students attend classes during the day and work at night. I once heard of a man who spends his day doing heavy lifting in a warehouse as a loader. After 11 hours, he resumes a night shift at a hospital where he works as a support worker. He relies on short breaks to catch a few hours of sleep. It is never enough. When he gets home, he cares for his child. Within this tight schedule, he still fulfils his responsibilities to his wife. This is the reality of many immigrants in Europe and America.

Social media validation, the pressure to appear successful, unrealistic targets, impatience, the need to send money home, and the lack of social safety nets for immigrants are all factors pushing people slowly toward early graves.

At first, everything seems fine, with no visible concerns. Then, gradually, the body begins to break down. One of the early signs of stress abroad is loud snoring like those Shomolu power generators, regardless of body size. Soon after, symptoms such as constant tiredness, loss of energy, poor concentration, frequent drowsiness, and recurring illness begin to appear.

From my personal observation, many immigrants adopt coping mechanisms used by locals in an attempt to manage stress and lack of sleep. They rely on stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks, and vapes to keep going. Some go further, turning to pills, weed, and other substances. While these may offer temporary relief, the long-term consequences can be severe and life-threatening. It is a deep and dangerous cycle.

With the growing rate of sleeplessness among Nigerians abroad, it may take sheer luck for many to live long. Although people are aware of these risks and are trying to transition into white-collar jobs, upward mobility remains limited, especially for people of colour.

As the legendary rapper MI Abaga said in one of his songs, “Don’t spend your life to buy money, because you can’t spend your money to buy life.”

Kenn55:
Nigerians showing more concern for people abroad than showing concern for Nigerians living in Nigeria.

Can you guys channel this energy on japa issues to fixing Nigeria?

budaatum:
I am going to go to sleep like millions of Nigerians abroad will, and I am going to wake up in the morning, because one "Richmond Mensah, a father of one, went to sleep in preparation for a night shift and never woke up. He was just 33" does not in any way mean that I, at twice Richmond's age, and who has lived abroad longer that Richmond lived, would not wake up tomorrow because Richmond did not wake up, and any one who wants to scare me that I would not wake up would need to come kill me in my sleep themselves.

But quote me to see if I died please, because op has a point that you must:

Sleep! You need the rest wherever you may be.

uche87:
The article headline appears damning and alarming. I agree. Ignore it for a second and focus on the crux of the matter. On the 6th of February 2026, a Ghanaian nurse named Richmond Mensah, a father of one, went to sleep in preparation for a night shift and never woke up. He was just 33. He left behind his wife and a 14-month-old daughter. His story is not an isolated case. Similarly, Samuel Acquah, a Ghanaian nurse at Southend University Hospital in Essex, died in his sleep in August 2025, leaving behind a wife and two children in Ghana. The list of Ghanaian healthcare workers who have died suddenly is long and well-documented online.

In recent years, many immigrants have passed away under circumstances linked to stress. There is a sleeplessness epidemic across the Western world. Due to the high cost of living, people literally work around the clock to make ends meet. Many people take on both night and day shifts, hoping their situation will eventually improve. Approximately one in three adults in the UK experiences sleep problems or symptoms of insomnia, with over 80 percent of the population affected by poor sleep at some point. Recent data suggests that more than half of UK adults, 51 percent, do not get enough sleep, and around 10 percent suffer from persistent, chronic insomnia. According to Aviva, key factors affecting sleep in the UK include financial worries, affecting 45 percent of people, stress, and work-related issues.

The implication is clear. Stress takes a toll on the human body and can destroy it if left unchecked. There is a saying in academia that the shorter your sleep, the shorter your life. It was popularised by British sleep expert Matt Walker, PhD, an author, scientist, and professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.

If you sleep more, you live longer. If you sleep less, your lifespan reduces. According to the NHS, adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep, while children need 9 to 13 hours daily. Sleep is central to human health and wellbeing. It affects overall human functioning. Lack of sleep impacts memory, processing speed, and mood. It even affects the size of a man’s testicles. Furthermore, the strength of a man’s genes can be weakened by sleep deprivation. The immune system is also compromised. In addition, sleep affects physical strength and motivation. Mental health is not spared either. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression and other serious conditions, such as obesity, body pains, high blood pressure, dizziness, and even heart attacks or cardiac arrest.

In recent years, how many Nigerians who move abroad can truly boast of meeting the daily sleep threshold of 7 to 9 hours? It is a very small percentage. Most Nigerians who relocate abroad are absorbed into the blue-collar sector, where jobs are physically demanding and emotionally exhausting. The pay is often modest, and to meet bills and responsibilities, many are forced to work unsociable hours.

In the UK, for example, coming in as a student is particularly challenging. Highly indebted students attend classes during the day and work at night. I once heard of a man who spends his day doing heavy lifting in a warehouse as a loader. After 11 hours, he resumes a night shift at a hospital where he works as a support worker. He relies on short breaks to catch a few hours of sleep. It is never enough. When he gets home, he cares for his child. Within this tight schedule, he still fulfils his responsibilities to his wife. This is the reality of many immigrants in Europe and America.

Social media validation, the pressure to appear successful, unrealistic targets, impatience, the need to send money home, and the lack of social safety nets for immigrants are all factors pushing people slowly toward early graves.

At first, everything seems fine, with no visible concerns. Then, gradually, the body begins to break down. One of the early signs of stress abroad is loud snoring like those Shomolu power generators, regardless of body size. Soon after, symptoms such as constant tiredness, loss of energy, poor concentration, frequent drowsiness, and recurring illness begin to appear.

From my personal observation, many immigrants adopt coping mechanisms used by locals in an attempt to manage stress and lack of sleep. They rely on stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks, and vapes to keep going. Some go further, turning to pills, weed, and other substances. While these may offer temporary relief, the long-term consequences can be severe and life-threatening. It is a deep and dangerous cycle.

With the growing rate of sleeplessness among Nigerians abroad, it may take sheer luck for many to live long. Although people are aware of these risks and are trying to transition into white-collar jobs, upward mobility remains limited, especially for people of colour.

As the legendary rapper MI Abaga said in one of his songs, “Don’t spend your life to buy money, because you can’t spend your money to buy life.”

https://www.facebook.com/thevillagetowncrier/posts/pfbid02RLjxoAVdQKes44JYBrY37MJqVgqsXTuRaJ7pupzXVwPgaiqbagxA9976QWiLrkVTl

CC Lalasticlala Seun Ishilove Mynd44 Dominique MissyB3 Fynestboi NLfpmod

Ishilove:
I can't sleep 7 hours at a stretch even if I wanted to. My body has adapted to short bursts of sleep.

Funny thing is when the money comes, one is too tired to even spend it.

doctore212:
In this UK eeh, sleep na luxury.

That's why I ran away from my Zambian babe last year, once I come back make I close my eyes, she gi don mix dates and tiger nut.

To collect opueh was even war. I just found one silly excuse and discharged her.

My BP have returned to normal since then

doctore212:
In this UK eeh, sleep na luxury.

That's why I ran away from my Zambian babe last year, once I come back make I close my eyes, she gi don mix dates and tiger nut.

To collect opueh was even war. I just found one silly excuse and discharged her.

My BP have returned to normal since then

uche87:
https://www.facebook.com/thevillagetowncrier/posts/pfbid02RLjxoAVdQKes44JYBrY37MJqVgqsXTuRaJ7pupzXVwPgaiqbagxA9976QWiLrkVTl

doctore212:
In this UK eeh, sleep na luxury.

That's why I ran away from my Zambian babe last year, once I come back make I close my eyes, she gi don mix dates and tiger nut.

To collect opueh was even war. I just found one silly excuse and discharged her.

My BP have returned to normal since then

anonimi:
I wonder how much of the stress is related to sending money to people in Africa to spend in the way that japa people don’t?

Why send money to people in African countries, and reduce their pressure on governments to employ them to work in fixing the country

budaatum:
To be honest, my body is adapting too as I have to pee like every 2 hours or so. Thankfully, the loo ain't too far from the bed, so I stumble back afterwards and continue. And short bursts.

As for spending money, I better or I give it away, but it's spent if invested.

doctore212:
In this UK eeh, sleep na luxury.

That's why I ran away from my Zambian babe last year, once I come back make I close my eyes, she gi don mix dates and tiger nut.

To collect opueh was even war. I just found one silly excuse and discharged her.

My BP have returned to normal since then

doctore212:
My name is Amuewu.

Am 7ft tall. Fair in complexion (bleaching cream).

I stay in Ajegunle .


I need any retired olosho between 45-59 years.

If you are interested. Call me on 0803111111007

ariesbull:
Peeing every two hours isn't good ...please check your sugar and prostate

ariesbull:
They sell their lands and property and sell themselves to slavery...I really don't understand this ....

You sell your cars , houses and go and be a slave doing care jobs cleaning anus only to hutsle all your life till 60s just to come back to buy house and ridiculously you might not be able to buy the house , even if you buy the house the kids will not want to come back and maybe your wife

So you end up lonely either here in Nigeria or in old people's home abroad ... whichever way you will be lonely and depressed


That's Japa

budaatum:
To be honest, my body is adapting too as I have to pee like every 2 hours or so. Thankfully, the loo ain't too far from the bed, so I stumble back afterwards and continue. And short bursts.

As for spending money, I better or I give it away, but it's spent if invested.