Miya Pearson
Sleep is an essential part of our lives, and getting the right amount of it is crucial for our health. While the recommended amount of sleep for adults is seven to nine hours per night, some people find themselves sleeping much more than that. Oversleeping, or sleeping more than nine hours in a 24-hour period, can be linked to underlying health issues such as depression, sleep disorders, chronic illnesses, or even indicators of heart disease. It can also lead to daytime grogginess, headaches, and an increased risk of accidents. On the other hand, some people may sleep more to make up for sleep deficits or due to lifestyle factors like shift work, family demands, or social activities. In rare cases, sleeping longer could be a symptom of a sleep disorder like hypersomnia or narcolepsy, where individuals experience excessive daytime sleepiness and unintended sleep episodes. So, what happens when you start sleeping more? It could be a sign of your body catching up on lost sleep, or it might indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average sleep hours for adults | 7-9 hours |
| Oversleeping | 9+ hours |
| Causes of oversleeping | Sleep deficits, medications, mental and physical health conditions, environmental factors |
| Effects of oversleeping | Daytime grogginess, headaches, increased risk of certain health problems (heart disease, diabetes, etc.), higher risk of death |
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What You'll Learn
Increased risk of health problems
While getting extra rest occasionally isn’t usually a cause for concern, consistently sleeping more than the recommended seven to nine hours for adults can be linked to underlying health issues and an increased risk of several health problems.
Depression and Psychiatric Diseases
Chronic oversleeping has been associated with an increased risk of depression. A study of 24,671 adults found that long sleepers were more likely to have psychiatric diseases and a greater body mass index (BMI).
Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease
There is a significant U-shaped association between sleep duration and obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. People who sleep too much are more likely to be overweight or obese, with a higher BMI. Obesity is also a risk factor for hypertension and OSA, which can lead to sustained hypertension and heightened cardiovascular risk.
Diabetes
Chronic oversleeping has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. This may be due in part to the association between long sleep and obesity, as obesity is a risk factor for diabetes.
Stroke
There is some evidence that chronic oversleeping may increase the risk of stroke. This could be related to the association between long sleep and hypertension, as high blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke.
If you are concerned about sleeping too much, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help determine if your oversleeping is due to an underlying health condition or another factor, such as medication or substance use. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, at-home remedies, and medications.
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Sleep disorders
Sleep is a basic human need and is critical to both physical and mental health. Sleep disorders are conditions that disturb normal sleep patterns, with more than 50 million Americans suffering from chronic sleep disorders. There are over 80 types of sleep disorders, with insomnia being the most common. Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and is characterised by significant distress or problems at work, school, or other important areas of a person's daily functioning. To be diagnosed with insomnia disorder, these symptoms must occur at least three nights a week for at least three months. Other common sleep disorders include sleep apnea, a breathing disorder characterised by stopping breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep; restless leg syndrome, which involves a tingling sensation in the legs along with an urge to move them; hypersomnia, including narcolepsy, which causes extreme daytime sleepiness; circadian rhythm disorders, which involve problems with the sleep-wake cycle; and parasomnia, which involves acting in unusual ways while falling asleep, such as walking or talking.
Treatments for sleep disorders vary depending on the specific disorder but may include good sleep habits and lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, medication, and the use of a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. It is important to address sleep disorders regardless of any coexisting mental or medical problems, as they can significantly impact an individual's functioning and well-being.
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Mental health
Sleep is closely connected to mental health and has demonstrated links to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. There is robust evidence that sleep is critical to our mental health. Poor or insufficient sleep has been found to increase negative emotional responses and decrease positive emotions. This can influence mood and emotional reactivity and is tied to mental health disorders and their severity.
The effects of sleep deprivation depend on why it happens and how long it lasts. The longer a person experiences sleep deprivation, the more severe the effects. Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of developing certain conditions or making them worse if they already exist. These conditions include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, vascular disease, heart attack, and depression.
On the other hand, oversleeping can also be a cause for concern. While it can be a result of sleep deficits or catching up on lost sleep, consistently sleeping more than nine hours per night is considered oversleeping and can be linked to underlying health issues such as depression, sleep disorders, or chronic illness. Oversleeping has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Improving sleep quality and quantity can have a beneficial impact on mental health and can be a component of treating psychiatric disorders. Adopting healthy sleep habits and seeking professional help, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), can help address sleep problems and improve mental well-being.
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Physical health
Sleep is essential for physical health and well-being. Getting a good night's rest has a positive impact on physical exertion, response time, muscle activation, and endurance. Sleep also plays a vital role in the body's healing process, reducing the risk of overtraining and injuries.
Quality sleep is linked to weight management. Studies have found that people who sleep less than seven hours a night tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and are more likely to develop obesity. Improving sleep duration may aid weight loss and obesity prevention. Additionally, a good night's sleep can help regulate food cravings and promote healthier dietary choices.
Sleep also influences heart health. During non-REM sleep, blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Adequate sleep helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall heart health. Research suggests that sufficient sleep duration, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The immune system is also affected by sleep. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood of catching colds and other infections. On the other hand, getting enough sleep enhances the immune system's ability to fight off illnesses.
Sleep is crucial for physical health throughout life. It supports growth and development in children and teens, and it helps prevent long-term health issues in adulthood. Overall, getting enough quality sleep is essential for maintaining and improving physical health.
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Lifestyle factors
Environmental factors, such as shift work, family demands, studying, or a busy social life, can also contribute to oversleeping. Shift work, especially night shifts, can disrupt sleep patterns and cause broken sleep due to misalignment with the body's internal clock or circadian rhythm. Long working hours can lead to inadequate sleep, resulting in hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Additionally, certain medications, substances, and medical conditions can impact sleep. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines can disrupt sleeping patterns and cause drowsiness. Furthermore, underlying medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, oesophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, chronic pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, can contribute to oversleeping and daytime sleepiness.
It is important to note that while occasional oversleeping may not be a cause for concern, consistently sleeping more than nine hours each night could indicate underlying health issues. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to rule out any potential conditions and ensure a healthier sleep routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Hypersomnia is a condition that makes people feel extremely sleepy during the day. People with hypersomnia may sleep for 11 hours or more but still feel sleepy and have trouble staying awake.
The causes of hypersomnia vary from person to person and can be influenced by age, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. Some common causes include insufficient sleep, sleep disorders, medications, and mental or physical health issues.
People with hypersomnia may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, unintended lapses into sleep, and a constant need to nap. They may also experience disturbed sleep at night without being aware of it and face an increased risk of accidents.
Treatment for hypersomnia depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications to help stay awake, lifestyle changes, or addressing any underlying health conditions. In some cases, people with hypersomnia may need to consult a sleep specialist or a sleep disorders clinic for further evaluation and treatment.
