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CBN to Banks: Show Us Your Game Plan or Risk Falling Behind

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is turning up the heat on commercial banks—and they’re not playing around.

In a new directive, the apex bank is asking all commercial banks to submit their capital restoration plans. Simply put, the CBN wants to know how these banks plan to stay financially healthy now that the days of easy regulatory relief are over.

For a while now, banks have been operating under a bit of a safety net—thanks to forbearance measures that helped cushion them from the economic shocks of recent years (like COVID-19 and naira volatility). But now, the CBN says it's time to toughen up.

> “We’re focused on building a stronger, more resilient banking sector,” a CBN source shared. “We want banks that can weather the storm, not just survive today and crash tomorrow.”

So, what does this mean for the average Nigerian?

Well, your bank might start making moves maybe a change in loan requirements, a shift in investment focus, or even a push to raise more capital. Some banks might even consider merging with others to meet the new expectations.

Financial experts say this could be a wake-up call for struggling banks. Those that can’t prove they’re strong enough to stand on their own might be forced to restructure or close shop.


Why You Should Care:

If you’re a customer: Your bank’s future could affect your money, services, or even how easily you get loans.

If you’re an investor: Expect increased activity in the banking space mergers, recapitalizations, or even shakeups.

If you care about the economy: A more stable banking sector could help Nigeria bounce back stronger.

At the end of the day, the CBN is sending one clear message: "Get your house in order or risk being left behind."

Tired But Can’t Sleep? The Hidden Link Between Anxiety and Insomnia

Ever crawl into bed, physically exhausted, but your mind just won’t shut up? You toss. You turn. You check the clock. Again. And despite needing rest more than ever, your body refuses to power down. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone and you’re not just “thinking too much.” This frustrating cycle of being tired but sleepless is often rooted in anxiety, and the connection runs deeper than most people realize.


The Silent Tug-of-War Between Your Mind and Body

When you’re anxious whether it's from everyday stress or a deeper mental health issue your brain kicks into high alert. Your heart rate might stay elevated. Your thoughts start racing. Your body stays in “fight or flight” mode, even when it’s bedtime. And no matter how tired you feel, your brain acts like it’s preparing for battle.

It’s like hitting the brakes and the gas pedal at the same time.



Everyday Habits That Make It Worse

Without even knowing it, some of our daily routines quietly feed this cycle. For example:

Endless scrolling before bed overstimulates the brain and floods your system with blue light, which blocks melatonin the hormone that helps you sleep.

Late afternoon caffeine might seem harmless, but it can stick around in your system for hours.

Overthinking tomorrow’s to-do list while lying in bed? It signals your brain that there’s still work to do—even if your body is screaming for rest.

What Lack of Sleep Does to Anxiety

Here’s the tough part: the less sleep you get, the worse your anxiety becomes the next day. That brain fog? The irritability? The restlessness? They all feed back into the same loop, making sleep even harder the following night.

It’s a cycle that wears you down mentally, emotionally, and even physically.




So What Can You Do?

Breaking the cycle doesn’t happen overnight (pun intended), but small changes go a long way:

Create a wind-down routine: Start dimming the lights an hour before bed. Stretch. Read. Journal. Do anything calming away from screens.

Cut back on stimulants: Limit caffeine after noon and avoid sugary snacks late in the day.

Try grounding techniques: Breathing exercises or body scans can calm the nervous system and shift your body into “rest mode.”

Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to sleep and wake at the same time every day even on weekends. Consistency helps reset your internal clock.




When to Talk to Someone

If your sleep struggles persist for weeks, or if your anxiety feels overwhelming, talk to a professional. Therapy or even short-term medication can help break the cycle and give you space to heal mentally and physically.




Final Thoughts

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. Your body is simply trying to survive in a world that doesn’t always slow down. The first step to getting better sleep might just be giving yourself grace and realizing that rest is just as much mental as it is physical.

Take it one night at a time

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