[Focus] Les dangers méconnus du manque de sommeil pour le cœur et la croissance
On the occasion of World Sleep Day, celebrated on March 13, 2026 under the theme "Sleep well to live better", Senegalese specialists are raising the alarm about a health problem that is still largely underestimated: the consequences of lack of sleep in children and on cardiovascular health.
In two manifestos made public in Dakar, sleep pediatrician Dr. Arame Mbengue Dièye and cardiologist Dr. Ousmane Dièye, members of the Senegalese Society of Sleep Medicine, call for sleep to be made a true public health priority in Africa.
A child's sleep, a pillar of their health
According to Dr. Arame Mbengue, sleep is a fundamental biological need for children. It plays a vital role in physical growth, brain development, learning, and emotional balance. Yet, in Africa, this aspect remains largely neglected.
The expert points out that several everyday realities are disrupting the sleep patterns of young children today: overcrowded housing, urban noise, nighttime heat, excessive schooling, early exposure to screens, and a lack of parental awareness. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to academic difficulties, attention disorders, and emotional problems, as well as increasing the risk of developing illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Experts also reiterate the recommended sleep durations according to age: 14 to 17 hours for infants and 8 to 10 hours for adolescents. The pediatrician emphasizes the urgent need to raise awareness among families, train healthcare professionals, and develop African research on children's sleep.
Sleep, a key factor in cardiovascular health
For his part, Dr. Ousmane Dièye emphasizes the close link between sleep and cardiovascular disease. According to him, several sleep disorders are significant risk factors for heart disease. He cites obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, as well as insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and chronic sleep deprivation. These disorders are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
Disorders that are still largely underdiagnosed
Experts lament that sleep disorders remain under-recognized and underdiagnosed in Africa. This situation is largely due to a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, insufficient specialized training, and a limited number of sleep laboratories. They therefore call for systematic screening for sleep disorders in at-risk patients, the development of specialized centers, and the integration of sleep medicine into medical training programs.
"Africa's future also begins at night."
For experts, promoting a true sleep culture is a strategic investment in public health on the continent. “A child who sleeps well learns better, grows better, and fully develops their potential,” emphasizes Dr. Arame Mbengue. Dr. Ousmane Dièye, for his part, believes that getting enough sleep remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect the heart. Both call on governments, researchers, healthcare professionals, and families to mobilize and make sleep a cornerstone of prevention policies in Africa.
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