Evie Summers
Sleeping is essential for health, but too much of it can be harmful. Oversleeping, or long sleeping, is when an individual sleeps for more than nine hours in a 24-hour period. This could indicate an underlying health condition, such as hypersomnia, a sleep disorder, or a mental health issue like depression. Other causes include medication side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, and lifestyle factors such as shift work. Oversleeping has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and death. If you are concerned about sleeping too much, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any potential underlying causes and discuss treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, at-home remedies, or medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended Sleep Hours for Adults | 7-9 hours |
| Hypersomnia | Excessive sleepiness during the day, sleeping for 11+ hours but still feeling sleepy, trouble staying awake |
| Sleep Disorders | Obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep walking |
| Side Effects of Medication | Alcohol, caffeine, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antihistamines, muscle relaxers, antipsychotics |
| Medical Conditions | Hypothyroidism, oesophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, chronic pain, vitamin B12 deficiency |
| Lifestyle Factors | Shift work, family demands, social life, jet lag |
| Increased Risk of | Accidents, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, heart failure, death |
| Treatment | Medication, lifestyle changes, therapy, sleep study, sleep specialist |
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What You'll Learn
Hypersomnia
There are two main types of hypersomnia: primary and secondary. Primary hypersomnia is of central or brain origin and can be caused by genetic disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Norrie disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and myotonic dystrophy. It can also be associated with neurological disorders such as brain tumours, lesions in the brain, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Secondary hypersomnia, on the other hand, is caused by another medical condition or issue. This can include clinical depression, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, epilepsy, obesity, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Substance use, alcohol consumption, and certain medications or withdrawal from medications can also lead to secondary hypersomnia.
The treatment for hypersomnia typically involves a combination of medications, sleep habit adjustments, and therapy. It is recommended that individuals who suspect they may have hypersomnia consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
While hypersomnia specifically refers to a medical disorder, it is important to note that oversleeping in general can also be indicative of underlying health issues. Chronic oversleeping has been linked to various medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk of death. Additionally, depression and low socioeconomic status have been associated with longer sleep durations. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the cause of oversleeping and guide appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes.
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Sleep disorders
Sleep is a complex biological process that plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health. While the amount of sleep needed varies across individuals, sleeping patterns that deviate from the norm could indicate an underlying sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are conditions that disturb normal sleep patterns, and there are over 80 types, with insomnia being the most common.
Insomnia
Insomnia is characterised by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is the most prevalent sleep disorder, affecting individuals' daily functioning and quality of life.
Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness, even after obtaining adequate nighttime sleep. Individuals with hypersomnia may experience difficulty staying awake during the day, impacting their work and social life. Treatment options include medications, sleep habit adjustments, and therapy.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterised by brief pauses in breathing during sleep. It can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, leading to increased sleep requirements. Obstructive sleep apnea, a type of sleep apnea, occurs when an individual momentarily stops breathing during sleep due to airway obstruction.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs while at rest. It is associated with unpleasant sensations in the legs, such as tingling or prickliness.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Circadian rhythm disorders are problems with the sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult for individuals to fall asleep and wake up at the right times. These disorders can disrupt normal sleep patterns and affect daily routines.
Parasomnia
Parasomnia involves unusual behaviours during sleep transitions, such as walking, talking, or eating. It can disrupt sleep quality and cause confusion or distress.
If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend a sleep study or suggest lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioural therapy, or medication, depending on the specific disorder.
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Health risks
Oversleeping, or long sleeping, is when a person sleeps for more than nine hours in a 24-hour period. While the amount of sleep a person needs varies depending on their age, lifestyle, and general health, sleeping longer than usual on a consistent basis may indicate an underlying health condition.
Increased Risk of Death: Multiple studies have found a correlation between sleeping for nine or more hours a night and higher death rates. While no specific reason has been determined, researchers have found that depression and low socioeconomic status are associated with longer sleep. The risk of death from heart disease and stroke has also been found to increase with longer sleep times.
Diabetes: Sleeping too much or too little has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes. One study found that people who slept for nine or ten hours every night were 21% more likely to become obese over a six-year period, even when food intake and exercise were taken into account.
Heart Disease: Oversleeping has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, although it is unclear if oversleeping directly causes this condition.
Obesity: In addition to the increased risk of obesity mentioned above, one study found that people who slept for nine or ten hours per night were more likely to become obese over time, even when controlling for other factors.
Headaches: For some people prone to headaches, sleeping longer than usual can trigger head pain. This is believed to be due to the effect of oversleeping on certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin.
Accidents: Hypersomnia, a condition characterised by excessive sleepiness, increases the risk of accidents, especially motor vehicle accidents. This is because people with hypersomnia may have difficulty staying awake during the day, even after a full night's rest.
Other Health Conditions: Oversleeping may also be a symptom of other underlying health conditions, such as depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.
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Underlying conditions
Oversleeping can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. If you are concerned about the amount of sleep you are getting, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They may recommend a sleep study to rule out sleep disorders.
Sleep Disorders
Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterised by excessive sleepiness. People with hypersomnia might sleep for 12 hours or more at night but still feel the need to nap throughout the day. They may also experience symptoms of anxiety, low energy, and memory problems. Hypersomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep deprivation, sleep disorders, medication, alcohol, medical and psychiatric illnesses, and lifestyle factors such as shift work and family demands.
Other sleep disorders that can cause excessive sleepiness include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea: A disorder that causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep.
- Restless leg syndrome: A disorder that causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs due to sensations such as tingling or cramping.
- Narcolepsy: A rare sleep disorder characterised by involuntary napping and muscle paralysis during sleep.
- Insomnia: A common disorder characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, oesophageal reflux, nocturnal asthma, chronic pain, and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia can also disrupt sleep. Additionally, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can contribute to excessive sleepiness.
Substance Use
The use of certain substances, such as alcohol, caffeinated drinks, tranquilisers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines, can also disrupt sleeping patterns and contribute to oversleeping.
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Treatment
If you are concerned that you are sleeping too much, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you determine the cause of your excessive sleep and advise you on the best treatment plan.
If your oversleeping is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating this disorder may allow you to return to normal sleep habits. For example, treating cold and flu symptoms may help you get back to a regular sleep schedule. Similarly, if your oversleeping is caused by alcohol or certain prescription medications, cutting back on or eliminating the use of these substances may help. However, you should never stop taking a prescribed medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hypersomnia, such as extreme sleepiness during the day and long sleep periods at night, your doctor may recommend medications, sleep habit adjustments, or therapy. Modafinil (Provigil) is a wake-promoting drug that is often used as a first-line treatment for hypersomnia caused by sleep disorders like narcolepsy. Improving your sleep hygiene by establishing a consistent bedtime routine and sleep environment can also help regulate your sleep. This includes avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and exercise a few hours before bed.
In some cases, oversleeping may be related to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or stress. Therapy with a mental health professional can help you manage these conditions and improve your sleep. Additionally, addressing any underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, can help alleviate the symptoms of oversleeping.
It is important to note that treatment for oversleeping will depend on the underlying cause, and a combination of lifestyle changes, at-home remedies, and medications may be recommended. Working with a healthcare professional can help you determine the best course of action to improve your sleep habits and overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping too much has been linked to a host of medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and an increased risk of death.
Sleeping too much may be caused by underlying health issues, such as depression, illness, or a sleep disorder. Environmental factors like shift work, medication, and alcohol use can also contribute to excessive sleepiness.
If you're regularly sleeping too much, it's recommended that you consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions. They can help determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment or lifestyle recommendations.
