Is it okay to sleep too much? Consequences of sleeping too much

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There are a number of different reasons why you might be sleeping too much, such as being sick or needing sleep after a few sleepless nights. However, consistently sleeping a lot can be a sign of a sleep disorder, mental health disorder, or other health problem.

1. What is sleeping too much?

Oversleeping, or prolonged sleep, is defined as sleeping more than 9 hours in a 24-hour period, including prolonged sleep during the night and feeling excessively sleepy during the day, affecting normal functioning. often in life. Narcolepsy and other sleep disorders can cause you to sleep too much. If no cause can be found, the disorder is called idiopathic hypersomnia.
On average, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. A good night's sleep promotes health and mental alertness. If you don't get enough sleep, you may feel lethargic and unable to concentrate. So is sleeping too much good? Experts say that sleeping too much can negatively affect your health.
The amount of sleep you need each night depends on your daytime routine and activity, as well as your own health and sleeping patterns. Older adults may need only 6 hours of sleep, while athletes need 1 hour more than the average person. Sometimes you will need more sleep than usual, such as after strenuous activity or travel. If adding or subtracting a few hours of rest makes you feel good, then that's the right amount of sleep for your body. But if consistently sleeping a lot makes you tired or even doze off during the day, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem.
In addition to sleeping more than 9 hours a night, other symptoms of too much sleep include:
Long napping Too much daytime sleep Headaches.

2. What causes you to oversleep?

Oversleeping can happen when you try to make up for sleep deprivation. For example, you have to stay up many nights in a row to complete a project and are sleep deprived. Then at the end of the week, you can compensate by sleeping longer than usual.
Sleep disorders are the most common causes, including:
Sleep apnea : Sleep apnea causes you to temporarily stop breathing during sleep, creating snoring and choking noises at night, making reduced sleep quality. To compensate for poor sleep, you can nap during the day and try to sleep longer at night. People with sleep apnea are often prescribed a CPAP machine to assist with breathing during sleep. Narcolepsy: Most people with narcolepsy feel excessively sleepy during the day and have excessive urges to sleep. For narcolepsy secondary to damage to the hypothalamus, you may sleep more than 10 hours per night. Idiopathic polysomnia: This sleep disorder is characterized by difficulty waking up, excessive sleepiness, and an inability to feel well after a night's sleep or daytime naps. With this disorder, you can sleep as much as 14-18 hours a day. In addition, a number of other health conditions can also lead to excessive sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness:
Obesity Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Chronic pain Hypothyroidism. People with depression and anxiety often struggle with a sleep disorder or other health problem. Too much sleep and difficulty sleeping are both effects of depression. In particular, adolescents and older adults with depression are more likely to experience excessive sleepiness. Some studies have shown higher rates of depression in people who sleep longer.

3. Is it okay to sleep too much?

As mentioned, too much sleep affects your overall health and can produce the same negative effects as sleep deprivation. Early research shows that getting more sleep makes:
Inflammation in the body worse Decreased immune function Can lead to chronic diseases. Too little and too long sleep is linked to a number of health problems and chronic diseases:
Mental obesity Coronary heart disease Diabetes Stroke

4. Tips to avoid sleeping too much

If you are concerned about your excessive sleep, talk to your doctor about your sleep habits and personal health. You can keep a sleep diary to see how long you're awake and asleep at night, as well as your daytime naps. Your doctor will use this information to help you determine the cause of your excessive sleep and recommend a treatment plan.
Regardless of the causes and consequences of too much sleep, you should implement the following healthy tips to improve your sleep habits:
Set a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time Every day helps you avoid insomnia, lack of sleep. Create a bedtime routine: Good habits practiced every day will help you relax and signal to your body that it's time to get ready for bed. Avoid light from electronic devices in the hours before bedtime, as this light can delay you falling asleep. Adjust the sleeping environment: Your bedroom should have a cool temperature, without a lot of light and noise. Stay active: Daily exercise and exposure to sunlight help you sleep well at night. However, it is important to avoid excessive exercise near bedtime. Early afternoon naps: Late afternoon naps can make it difficult to fall asleep on time at night. To treat sleep disorders in general, in addition to the examination and medication prescribed by your doctor, it is very important that you actively change your lifestyle so that it is healthy and scientific.
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References: webmd.com, sleepfoundation.org, healthline.com