Dr Love Akpebu, a Family Physician, encouraged Ghanaians to make conscious lifestyle adjustments, particularly regarding sleep, diet and stress management, to stay healthy in 2026. She explained in an interview with the Ghana News Agency that quality sleep was central to good health and advised individuals to fix a consistent bedtime, ideally between 2200 and 2300 hours, to ensure adequate rest. 

“If you prioritise sleep, you must discipline yourself to go to bed at the same time every night, regardless of what you are doing,” she said. Dr Akpebu stressed the importance of sleep hygiene, advising that beds should be used strictly for sleep and sexual activity. 

“When you use your bed for phones, television or work, you train your brain not to associate the bed with sleep,” she noted. She also advised people to ensure their bedrooms were cool, dark and well ventilated to promote restful sleep. “If the room is hot, forget about sleep. Make the environment comfortable, with minimal light and good airflow,” she said. 

Dr Akpebu cautioned against the immediate use of sleeping medications, explaining that many sleep problems could be managed through lifestyle changes. “We should not be quick to jump for medications when simple behavioural adjustments can address insomnia,” she added. Touching on stress and fatigue, she explained that stress-related fatigue could actually worsen sleep due to increased adrenaline levels. “Stress hormones keep the body alert, so being tired does not automatically mean you will sleep,” she explained. 

On alcohol consumption, Dr Akpebu indicated that recent studies showed that no amount of alcohol was safe, especially regarding cardiovascular diseases. “As a family physician, I will say that no amount of alcohol is safe. The choice is yours, but avoiding it is best,” she stated. She encouraged Ghanaians to choose natural foods over processed options, limit sugary and carbonated drinks, avoid smoking, and snack on fruits instead. “Healthy living may seem boring, but it is the price we pay for a longer, healthier life,” she said. 

Dr Akpebu also urged adequate water intake and strict adherence to prescribed medications, warning that poor compliance could lead to serious complications such as heart and kidney failure. She advised the public to end the excuses and prioritise their health this year, because prevention is always better than cure,” she advised.