Experts have warned that going to bed at different times each night, particularly during midlife, could be an early warning sign of future heart problems.

New research from the University of Oulu found a strong link between irregular bedtimes and an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, especially among people who spend less than eight hours in bed each night.

According to the study, individuals whose sleep schedules varied widely and whose time in bed was under eight hours faced roughly twice the risk of serious heart-related events compared with those who maintained more regular routines.

In contrast, irregular wake-up times did not show a clear association with cardiovascular problems.

READ ALSO:Eating Takeout Food Often May Increase Heart Disease Risk — Study

Major cardiovascular events examined in the study included conditions requiring specialised medical care, such as heart attack and ischaemic stroke.

The research, published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, followed 3,231 individuals born in northern Finland in 1966. Their sleep habits were monitored over a one-week period at age 46, while their health outcomes were tracked for more than a decade using healthcare register data.

Researchers measured sleep duration and timing using activity monitors that recorded how long participants remained in bed. The findings pointed to bedtime consistency as a particularly important factor for heart health.

Laura Nauha, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oulu, explained that earlier studies had already linked irregular sleep patterns to cardiovascular risks.

READ ALSO:Sleeping Late Can Trigger Heart Disease Later In life, Scientists Warn

However, she noted that this study is the first to show that variability in bedtime, wake-up time, and the midpoint of the sleep period are independently associated with major cardiovascular events.

According to Nauha, everyday routines play a major role in shaping long-term heart health.

“Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is one factor that most of us can influence,” she said.

“Our findings suggest that the regularity of bedtime, in particular, may be important for heart health. It reflects the rhythms of everyday life and how much they fluctuate,” Nauha added.
(Nigerian Tribune)

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Akwa Ibom State Council, has concluded plans to initiate a one billion naira suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the alleged assault of its member, Professor Eyo Ekpe, a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH.

This was among the 10 resolutions reached by the body at the end of its emergency virtual meeting on Tuesday in respect of the arrest and alleged assault of Professor Ekpe by the commission.

Recall that EFCC operatives, on the grounds of authenticating a medical report presented by a suspect, were said to have invaded the hospital and subsequently arrested Prof. Ekpe under demeaning circumstances.

It was gathered that when the professor was accosted by the official, he told him that the office was already processing the request. However, the official allegedly went outside, mobilised other colleagues, and returned to hound the professor away after allegedly beating him and making him cry in public.

READ ALSO:EFCC Arraigns Two Over Alleged N8.9m Investment Fraud In Anambra

At a press conference held at Doctors’ Mess, Udoudoma, Uyo, on Wednesday, the NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, who also suffered during the crisis, said it was a slap on the integrity of the NMA as a body to allow anyone assault their member, not to talk of a professor who was only carrying out his lawful duties of saving lives and imparting knowledge.

Reading a communiqué endorsed by the chairman and the secretary, Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, respectively, the assistant secretary of the union expressed dismay that there has been a recurring pattern of harassment and assault of medical professionals and members of the association by security agencies within the state, adding that the union would no longer condone such acts.

The union, while observing that there was no formal invitation extended to Prof. Ekpe or the leadership of the NMA before the incident, described the act as barbaric, degrading, inhuman, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment, thereby putting staff and patients at risk and undermining the dignity of the medical profession.

READ ALSO:EFCC Arrests Edo Traditional Ruler, One Other For Alleged fraud

The union, which has since embarked on an indefinite strike, said members would not return to work unless the EFCC tenders an apology to the assaulted professor, chairman, and members of the NMA, and identifies and prosecutes the officials who carried out the operation.

The union further stated that it has resolved not to offer any medical services to EFCC officials or their relatives, as they have chosen the path of cruelty against their member.

The communiqué read in part: “We observed that Prof. Eyo Ekpe was apprehended within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him to the point of bleeding, and handcuffed him alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.

READ ALSO:EFCC Arraigns Ex-NRC MD Over Alleged $385,000, N165m Fraud

“Prof. Peter, Akwa Ibom NMA chairman, was shoved and exposed to teargas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives. Hospitals are sacred environments meant for the preservation of life and should not be subjected to violent invasions by security agencies.

“We shall institute legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) for the physical, emotional, professional, and institutional damages caused. Congress further emphasised that this action shall serve as a deterrent against future harassment, intimidation, or assault of medical practitioners by any security agency. The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all its members.”

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has intensified his international economic outreach with a series of meetings in London aimed at strengthening trade relations and attracting investment opportunities for Nigeria.

In a statement shared on Friday via his X-Handle, Obi disclosed that he met with stakeholders in British politics and the business community, including Lord Jonathan Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

According to him, discussions centred on expanding prospective trade partnerships, improving economic cooperation, and advancing strategies to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

READ ALSO:Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Obi said the engagements underscored the importance of building a resilient economy driven by productive sectors, particularly agriculture and manufacturing, which he identified as critical to job creation and long-term national development.

He argued that Nigeria’s economic transformation depends heavily on deliberate support for MSMEs, describing them as the backbone of sustainable growth and employment generation.

Drawing comparisons with rapidly developing economies such as China, Indonesia and Vietnam, Obi noted that countries that prioritise small businesses and productive investment consistently achieve stronger and more inclusive economic outcomes.

READ ALSO:Why We Sited Our Multi-Billion Naira Automobile Firm Branch in Benin – Skyewise Group CEO

He maintained that Nigeria must adopt similar models by creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, improving access to finance, and strengthening infrastructure that supports small and medium-scale enterprises.

The former governor reiterated that MSMEs remain central to his vision for economic recovery and inclusive prosperity, stressing that targeted policies supporting small businesses would significantly reduce unemployment and stimulate nationwide development.

Obi concluded that with sustained commitment to economic reforms and enterprise development, Nigeria can achieve a “new and revitalised” economy capable of lifting millions out of poverty.

“A new and revitalised Nigeria is possible,” he said.