Gina Johnson
Sleep is a complex process that affects almost every type of tissue and system in the body, from the brain and heart to metabolism and immune function. An increased need for sleep can be a sign of a sleep disorder, but it can also be a symptom of other health issues. For example, a lack of sleep can cause symptoms of depression, seizures, high blood pressure, and migraines to worsen. It can also lead to weight gain, as it is linked to an increased risk of obesity and prediabetes. If you are experiencing an increased need for sleep, it is important to talk to a doctor or nurse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Daytime sleepiness | Taking frequent naps or falling asleep while doing routine tasks |
| Behavioural changes | Difficulty focusing or paying attention |
| Mood changes | Irritability and trouble managing emotions |
| Sleep disorders | Snoring, gasping or choking during sleep |
| Health risks | High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, seizures, migraines, compromised immunity |
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Sleep disorders
Sleep is a complex and dynamic process that affects almost every type of tissue and system in the body. Research shows that a chronic lack of sleep or poor quality sleep increases the risk of health problems such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and obesity. Sleep also plays a role in metabolism: even one night of missed sleep can create a prediabetic state in an otherwise healthy person.
Signs of a sleep disorder include trouble falling or staying asleep, or trouble staying awake during the day. During the daytime, you may experience additional signs and symptoms caused by a lack of adequate sleep, including daytime sleepiness, taking frequent daytime naps or falling asleep while doing routine tasks. Behavioural changes such as difficulty focusing or paying attention may also be experienced, as well as mood changes like irritability and trouble managing your emotions.
If you have any of these signs, talk to a doctor or nurse.
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Depression
Oversleeping can be a symptom of depression. Sleep psychologist Michelle Drerup says that oversleeping is a symptom in 15% of people with depression and it tends to be related to atypical depression, a specific type of depression in which the person’s mood can improve in response to a positive event. However, even though their mood may brighten, it’s only temporary and the root depression remains. Dr. Drerup adds that people with depression may not realise they are depressed.
Dr. Drerup notes that if someone has insomnia or undiagnosed sleep apnea or another disorder, treating the depression and improving symptoms is a lot more difficult if those issues aren’t addressed. Oversleeping, much like getting too little sleep, can have other major negative impacts on health, including an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke, as well as fertility issues, cognitive decline and obesity.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between oversleeping that’s connected with depression and typical inconsistent teen sleep patterns.
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High blood pressure
An increased need for sleep can be a sign of high blood pressure. Research has shown that a chronic lack of sleep can increase the risk of high blood pressure, as well as other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and obesity.
The relationship between sleep and high blood pressure is complex and not yet fully understood. However, it is known that sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Sleeping fewer than seven hours a night has been associated with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure over time. This risk is even greater for those who sleep fewer than five or six hours.
The amount of sleep one gets is not the only factor; the quality of sleep also matters. Sleep apnea, for example, has been linked to higher rates of high blood pressure. Additionally, an irregular sleep schedule or sleeping late can increase the odds of developing high blood pressure. People who get less than seven or more than nine hours of sleep are 20-30% more likely to have high blood pressure.
It is important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and get adequate, quality sleep each night to support overall health and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and other related health issues.
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Migraines
Sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality are linked to migraine attacks. Many people with migraines report having sleeping disorders, including insomnia, trouble falling or staying asleep, poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and being forced to sleep because of a migraine headache.
Research shows that improving sleep may reduce migraine headaches. Animal studies suggest that spending less time in the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage can increase sensitivity to pain. When humans have trouble sleeping, they spend less time in the REM sleep stage, so this may help explain why worse sleep can lead to more headache pain.
Excessive sleepiness may be part of the premonitory phase before a migraine attack, or a symptom following the attack. Sleep can also be very helpful during a migraine attack, and may often help stop the attack, particularly in children.
Good sleep hygiene is an important step to reduce migraine by developing a regular sleep pattern. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day, as sleeping during the correct phase of your circadian cycle is important. Understand your sleep need, including both the timing of sleep (when it feels right for you to go to bed), and the duration of sleep (most adults need about 6 to 8 hours a night).
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Lack of concentration
Sleep is a complex process that affects almost every type of tissue and system in the body, from the brain to the heart, lungs, metabolism, immune function, mood, and disease resistance. When people don't get enough sleep, their health risks rise. Sleep deprivation can cause a lack of concentration, which can manifest in several ways.
Firstly, you may experience daytime sleepiness, making it difficult to stay awake during the day. This can interfere with your ability to perform routine tasks, drive, or concentrate at work. You may find yourself taking frequent daytime naps or even falling asleep while engaged in everyday activities.
Secondly, sleep deprivation can lead to behavioural changes, including difficulty focusing or paying attention. This can impact your performance at school or work, making it challenging to meet deadlines or expectations. You may also experience mood changes, such as irritability, and find it challenging to manage your emotions effectively.
Additionally, a lack of concentration due to sleep deprivation can contribute to impaired decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Your cognitive functions may be slowed down, and you may find it more challenging to process information, think clearly, or make complex decisions. This can further impact your productivity and ability to function optimally throughout the day.
It is important to prioritise sleep and address any sleep-related issues. If you consistently feel like you need more sleep or experience difficulty staying awake during the day, consult a doctor or nurse to discuss your concerns. They can help identify any underlying sleep disorders or health conditions that may be contributing to your increased need for sleep and provide guidance on improving your sleep quality.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why you might feel the need for more sleep. It could be down to your age, activity level, general health or lifestyle habits. For example, you might feel the need to sleep more during periods of stress or illness.
Hypersomnia is a medical disorder that causes people to feel extremely sleepy during the day and to sleep for long periods at night. People with hypersomnia often experience symptoms of anxiety, low energy and memory problems.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that causes people to stop breathing momentarily during sleep. It can lead to an increased need for sleep because it disrupts the normal sleep cycle.
Oversleeping has been linked to a range of medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease and an increased risk of death. However, researchers have also noted that depression and low socioeconomic status are strongly associated with oversleeping.
If you are experiencing sleepiness during the day that makes it difficult to do everyday activities, such as driving or concentrating at work, you should talk to a doctor or nurse. Other signs include tingling or crawling feelings in your legs or arms at night, and feeling like it's hard to move when you first wake up.
