Evie Summers
If you're always sleeping, you may be experiencing hypersomnia, a condition that makes you feel extremely sleepy during the day, even after a full night's rest. Idiopathic hypersomnia, the most common type, has no known cause and is characterised by excessive night-time sleeping and daytime napping. Other types of hypersomnia include narcolepsy, which causes abrupt sleep attacks, and secondary narcolepsy, caused by injury to the hypothalamus. If you're regularly sleeping for more than 8 or 9 hours and still feeling tired, it could indicate an underlying health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or depression. It's important to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out any sleep disorders or medical issues that may be causing your excessive sleepiness. They can help diagnose and treat the issue, improving your sleep quality and overall quality of life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia) |
| Symptoms | Feeling extremely sleepy during the day, repeatedly falling asleep during the day, sleep inertia, abrupt sleep attacks |
| Causes | Mental or physical health problems, medications, alcohol, drugs, sleep disorders, lifestyle habits, age, shift work, anxiety, depression, jet lag, medical conditions |
| Treatment | Medicine to stay awake, lifestyle adjustments, therapy, sleep studies, medication, relaxation routines, exercise, healthy diet |
| Complications | Interference with daily life, relationships, and quality of life, increased risk of health conditions |
| Prevention | Regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine before bed, creating a bedtime routine, a cool bedroom environment |
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What You'll Learn
Hypersomnia and its causes
Hypersomnia is a condition that makes people feel extremely sleepy during the day, even after getting a healthy amount of rest at night. People with hypersomnia may sleep for unusually long periods and still feel the need to nap during the day. In extreme cases, a person with hypersomnia might sleep soundly at night for 12 hours or more but still not feel refreshed or energised.
There are several types of hypersomnia, but the most common is idiopathic hypersomnia, which has no known cause. Other types of hypersomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits, medications, physical health, and emotional state. For example, alcohol, caffeine, tranquilisers, and sleeping pills can disrupt sleeping patterns and contribute to hypersomnia. Similarly, certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, oesophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, and chronic pain, can also affect sleep.
Mental health conditions, such as depression, can also trigger hypersomnia. In addition, injuries, particularly head injuries or traumatic brain injuries, may cause hypersomnia or increase the risk of developing it. Lifestyle factors, such as shift work, family demands, long working hours, and overtime can also contribute to inadequate sleep, leading to hypersomnia.
Hypersomnia can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting a person's ability to work or attend school and their personal relationships. It can also increase the risk of accidents, especially motor vehicle accidents. Treatment for hypersomnia may include medication to help stay awake, lifestyle adjustments to improve sleep quality, therapy, or addressing specific underlying causes.
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Sleep disorders
One of the most common sleep disorders is insomnia, which is characterised by the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Insomnia is linked to anxiety and depression, with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) being an effective treatment for both conditions. Patients with insomnia are three times more likely to develop anxiety and depression, and the condition can also contribute to psychiatric symptoms through inappropriate sympathetic nervous activation, altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, and greater systemic inflammatory response.
Another common sleep disorder is hypersomnia, which is any condition that makes you feel extremely sleepy during the day, even after a full night's rest. Idiopathic hypersomnia, which has no known cause, is the most common type. Those with the condition may sleep for long periods and wake up feeling confused or irritable. Other forms of hypersomnia include narcolepsy, which causes abrupt sleep attacks that usually last less than an hour. In extreme cases of hypersomnia, a person might sleep soundly for 12 hours or more at night but still feel the need to nap during the day.
Other sleep disorders include sleep apnea, a breathing disorder in which you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep; restless leg syndrome (RLS), which involves a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs, along with a powerful urge to move them; and circadian rhythm disorders, which are problems with the sleep-wake cycle that make you unable to sleep and wake at the right times.
Treatments for sleep disorders depend on the specific disorder but may include good sleep habits and other lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy or relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety about getting enough sleep.
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Lifestyle adjustments
If you're always sleeping, it could be a sign of hypersomnia, a group of conditions that cause extreme sleepiness during the day. Idiopathic hypersomnia, the most common type, has no known cause. Other types of hypersomnia include narcolepsy, which causes abrupt sleep attacks, and secondary narcolepsy, which is caused by injury to the hypothalamus. Other causes of excessive sleepiness include:
- Sleep deprivation
- Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia
- Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, oesophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, and chronic pain
- Medications, including alcohol, caffeinated drinks, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines
- Lifestyle factors, such as shift work, anxiety, and depression
If you're concerned about your sleep habits, it's important to speak to a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying causes and recommend treatments, which may include medications, therapy, or lifestyle adjustments. Some lifestyle adjustments that may help improve sleep quality include:
- Create a bedtime routine: Establish a relaxing pre-sleep routine to help your body and mind wind down and prepare for sleep. Avoid electronic devices and bright lights before bedtime, as these can delay sleep onset.
- Optimize your sleep environment: Maintain a cool temperature, minimize light and noise, and ensure your bed and pillows are comfortable.
- Exercise regularly: Engage in daily physical activity and get sunlight exposure, but avoid excessive exercise close to bedtime as it may interfere with sleep.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eat nutritious meals at regular intervals to prevent nutritional deficiencies, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Manage stress and anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce nighttime anxiety and improve sleep quality.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can disrupt sleep and increase the risk of sleep disorders.
- Limit daytime napping: While brief naps can be beneficial, excessive napping during the day can reduce your drive to sleep at night and disrupt your sleep schedule.
It's important to note that everyone's sleep needs are unique, and factors such as age, health, and daily activities can influence the amount of sleep required. If you consistently sleep longer than the recommended 7-9 hours for adults and still feel tired or experience daytime sleepiness, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. Keeping a sleep diary and monitoring your sleep patterns can help you and your healthcare provider identify any sleep disorders or conditions that may be contributing to your excessive sleepiness.
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Health risks of oversleeping
Oversleeping, or long sleeping, is generally defined as sleeping for more than nine hours in a 24-hour period. While the amount of sleep one needs can vary depending on age, activity level, general health, and lifestyle habits, oversleeping has been linked to several health risks and problems.
Firstly, sleeping too much can negatively impact your immune system, mental health, and heart health. Research has shown that oversleeping is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, with some studies indicating that sleeping too much puts you at a greater risk of coronary heart disease than sleeping too little. Additionally, oversleeping has been linked to a higher risk of diabetes, with disruptions in sleep patterns potentially contributing to the development of this condition.
Secondly, chronic oversleeping has been associated with obesity. One particular study revealed that individuals who slept for nine or ten hours every night were 21% more likely to become obese over a six-year period compared to those who slept between seven and eight hours. This link between sleep and obesity remained significant even when factors such as food intake and exercise were considered. Furthermore, oversleeping has been associated with an increased risk of stroke and certain sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia.
Additionally, mental health disorders, such as depression, have been linked to oversleeping. While insomnia is more commonly associated with depression, approximately 15% of individuals with depression sleep too much, which may further exacerbate their condition. Other mental health consequences of oversleeping include anxiety and cognitive issues such as brain fogginess.
Finally, oversleeping has been associated with a greater risk of dying from a medical condition. However, it is important to note that the causal relationship is unclear, and the increased risk of mortality may be due to underlying medical conditions that cause oversleeping. If you find yourself consistently oversleeping, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying sleep disorders or medical conditions.
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Treatment options
Constant sleepiness could be a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hypersomnia, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleepwalking, narcolepsy, or sleep apnea. It could also be caused by lifestyle factors, such as stress, diet, exercise, or sleep habits.
If you are concerned about your constant sleepiness, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your doctor. They will be able to run tests and ask questions about your sleep routine and habits to determine the cause of your sleepiness.
The treatment for excessive sleepiness depends on what is causing it. Here are some general treatment options that may help:
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help keep you awake during the day.
- Therapy: Talking to a mental health professional can help manage any underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or stress, that may be contributing to your sleepiness. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one type of talking therapy that may be recommended.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Making changes to your lifestyle can help improve your sleep quality and reduce sleepiness during the day. This includes improving your sleep hygiene by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, having a comfortable sleep environment, and following a relaxing bedtime routine. It is also recommended to avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine close to bedtime, as these can disrupt your sleep.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve your energy levels and sleep quality. Even a short 15-minute walk can give you an energy boost.
- Healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet can help prevent nutritional deficiencies that can lead to fatigue. It is recommended to eat regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours to maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
- Napping: While daytime napping is generally not recommended, brief 'power' naps can be helpful in improving alertness and vigilance. It is best to keep naps relatively short and earlier in the day, about 6 to 7 hours before your bedtime.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're always feeling sleepy, you may have a condition called hypersomnia, which is when you feel extremely sleepy during the day even if you get a full night's rest. Idiopathic hypersomnia is the most common type, which is when there is no known cause. Other types include narcolepsy, which causes abrupt sleep attacks, and secondary narcolepsy, which is caused by injury to the hypothalamus.
Hypersomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits, medications, physical health, and emotional state. It can also be caused by other underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or depression.
Treatment for hypersomnia will depend on the underlying cause and can include a combination of lifestyle changes, at-home remedies, and medications. Lifestyle changes may include improving sleep hygiene by avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks near bedtime, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
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