Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is essential for health, but oversleeping has been linked to various medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and an increased risk of death. People who sleep excessively may have a sleep disorder such as hypersomnia or sleep apnea, or it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or depression. If you're concerned about sleeping too much, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional and make adjustments to your lifestyle habits, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of recommended sleep hours for adults | 7-9 hours |
| Hypersomnia | A sleep disorder characterized by excessive night-time sleeping and daytime napping |
| Sleep apnea | A breathing disorder that causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep |
| Restless leg syndrome | A brain disorder that causes an unpleasant and sometimes overwhelming urge to move legs while at rest |
| Bruxism | Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep |
| Idiopathic hypersomnia | A disorder causing excessive sleepiness for unknown reasons |
| Delayed sleep phase syndrome | A disorder that affects the circadian rhythm, making it hard to wake up in the morning |
| Oversleeping linked to health problems | Diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression, headaches, increased risk of death |
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Hypersomnia
There are two types of hypersomnia: primary and secondary. Primary hypersomnia occurs without another condition causing it, and includes idiopathic hypersomnia, Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS), and narcolepsy. Idiopathic hypersomnia is the most common type, causing excessive sleepiness for unknown reasons. KLS is a rare disorder that causes people to sleep for 16 to 20 hours a day during an episode. Narcolepsy occurs when the brain cannot control sleep or wakefulness, and can include symptoms such as sleep paralysis and cataplexy.
Secondary hypersomnia happens when a health condition or another issue causes extreme sleepiness. Causes can include alcohol or drug use, medication, sleep apnea, and various medical conditions such as depression, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, epilepsy, or obesity. Hypersomnia can also be a symptom of other sleep disorders, like insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep walking, and sleep apnea.
The treatment for hypersomnia depends on the specific disorder, and can include medications, lifestyle adjustments, and therapy. In some cases, hypersomnia can be helped or cured with lifestyle changes to improve sleep quality, such as avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypersomnia, it is important to seek advice from a doctor or sleep disorder clinic.
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Sleep disorders
Sleep is a basic human need and is critical to both physical and mental health. Sleep disorders (or sleep-wake disorders) involve problems with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment in functioning. There are more than 80 types of sleep disorders, and they should be specifically addressed regardless of mental or other medical problems that may be present. Sleep disorders often occur along with medical conditions or other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive disorders.
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting one-third of adults. It involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and must occur at least three nights a week for at least three months to be diagnosed as insomnia disorder. Other common sleep disorders include sleep apnea, a breathing disorder in which breathing pauses during sleep; restless leg syndrome, which involves an unpleasant urge to move the legs while at rest; and hypersomnia, which includes narcolepsy and is characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and the need for naps.
The causes of sleep disorders vary and are sometimes unknown. They can be caused by other conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, nerve disorders, pain, and psychiatric illnesses. Lifestyle habits, medications, physical health, and emotional state can also contribute to sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can be treated in various ways, including good sleep habits and lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, medication, and the use of CPAP machines. Sleep disorders can often be helped or cured with adjustments to lifestyle habits and improving sleep hygiene, such as avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine before bed.
Sleeping too much can be problematic and is associated with many health problems. While the cause and effect are unclear, it may indicate an underlying medical condition. If you regularly need more than eight or nine hours of sleep to feel rested, it may be a sign of a sleep disorder or other medical problem. Sleep needs do vary from person to person, but adults generally require seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
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Health risks
Oversleeping is associated with several health risks and could indicate an underlying health condition. Sleeping more than nine hours in 24 hours is considered oversleeping and may be a symptom of other underlying conditions, like depression, illness, or a sleep disorder.
- Heart Disease: Multiple studies have shown a correlation between oversleeping and heart disease. One study involving 72,000 women found that those who slept nine to 11 hours per night were 38% more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who slept eight hours.
- Increased Risk of Death: Studies have consistently shown that people who sleep nine or more hours per night have significantly higher death rates than those sleeping seven to eight hours. However, researchers have not determined the specific reason for this correlation.
- Diabetes: Sleeping too much or too little can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. One study found a link between longer sleep times and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
- Obesity: There is a correlation between sleeping too much and weight gain. People who slept for nine or ten hours every night were 21% more likely to become obese over six years than those sleeping seven to eight hours.
- Headaches: Sleeping longer than usual can trigger headaches in some individuals. Additionally, people who sleep too much during the day and disrupt their nighttime sleep may experience morning headaches.
- Back Pain: While previously recommended, doctors now advise against sleeping more than usual when experiencing back pain. Maintaining a certain level of activity is recommended, even during back pain episodes.
- Mental Health: While insomnia is more commonly associated with depression, approximately 15% of people with depression sleep too much. Oversleeping may worsen their depressive symptoms.
- Immune System: Oversleeping can negatively impact the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
- Chronic Diseases: Consistently oversleeping may indicate an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease and stroke.
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Lifestyle factors
Substance use, including alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal drugs, can induce excessive sleepiness. Alcohol, in particular, has sedating effects, making it challenging to stay awake during the day. Similarly, withdrawing from stimulating drugs like amphetamines or cocaine can result in increased sleepiness.
Caffeine consumption and dietary choices can also impact sleep. Caffeine, when consumed in excess or late in the day, can disrupt sleep. Sugary foods can cause blood sugar spikes and subsequent dips that lead to feelings of tiredness.
It is important to note that while these lifestyle factors can contribute to oversleeping, individual sleep needs vary. Factors such as age, activity level, general health, and personal habits all play a role in determining the amount of sleep required.
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Treatment options
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle adjustments can improve sleep quality, a practice known as good sleep hygiene. Suggestions include:
- Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks near bedtime
- Following a relaxation routine to prevent night-time anxiety
- Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal weight for your height
- Eating a well-balanced diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding late-night activities
Medication
Doctors often prescribe medications similar to those prescribed for narcolepsy. These may not treat idiopathic hypersomnia as effectively as they treat narcolepsy, however.
Sleep Studies
If necessary, a sleep study may be conducted to rule out sleep disorders. In the case of sleep apnea, for example, a CPAP machine may be prescribed to support breathing during sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping a lot, or hypersomnia, is a sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness throughout the day and night.
Causes of sleeping a lot include lifestyle habits, medications, physical health, and emotional state. Some people sleep a lot due to underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or depression.
Sleeping a lot has been linked to various health concerns and chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and an increased risk of death. It can also cause headaches and back pain.
If you are concerned about sleeping a lot, it is recommended to talk to your doctor about your sleep and health habits. Keeping a sleep diary can help your doctor identify the cause of your excessive sleeping and suggest a treatment plan. Lifestyle adjustments, such as improving sleep quality and maintaining a healthy weight, can also help reduce excessive sleeping.
