Sleep: Could There Be Such a Thing as Too Much?

Can we really get too much sleep? A lot of us wish we could have more sleep than we all do; but evidently, it is possible to get excessive sleep, which may have a harmful effect on your wellness.

Just How Much Sleep is Normal?

At various points in your life and development, your sleep needs will vary. In most cases, though, healthy people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night, sources state. "Too much sleep" could therefore be understood to be sleep amounts that exceed 9 or 10 hours within a 24-hour period.

Why Do Some Individuals Sleep Too Much?

There's a condition called hypersomnia, which causes victims to have an almost constant requirement of sleep. People with hypersomnia never manage to get enough sleep, and feel groggy and sleepy all day long, even when they get a normal amount of sleep.

For other people, sleeping for long hours is simply something they enjoy, perhaps to catch up on the week-ends after a full week of little sleep.

Depression is also a condition that is associated with an increased need or desire for sleep. Individuals with depression sometimes believe it is hard just to get out of bed.



Can Getting Excessive Sleep Be Unhealthy?

In line with numerous studies and sources, the solution to this question is yes. Having too much sleep may result in the following:

• Increased mortality, or earlier death compared to those who get regular amounts of sleep. Studies show that people who sleep too much pass away sooner than typical sleepers.

• A greater likelihood of stroke has been seen in those who get too much sleep.

• A lot of weight and excessive sleep may go hand-in-hand. Studies have also revealed a link between those who sleep too much and those who weigh too much.

• Studies have shown that those who sleep too much are at greater risk for acquiring diabetes.

How Do You Determine If You're Getting Too Much Sleep?

Since sleep needs vary among individuals, it is usually hard to determine whether or not you're suffering from too little or too much sleep. If you're struggling with sleepiness in the daytime and have trouble sleeping in the evening, or if you cannot seem to get up in the morning regardless of how much you sleep, these are some facts and suggestions that might help.

• Have a sleep record, noting exactly what time you go to sleep and what time you awaken, and how you are feeling daily. Note periods you feel sleepy and times you feel energetic, and look for connections.

• It's said that humans are biologically wired to feel less attentive in the middle of the afternoon and in the middle of the night, so if you find yourself sleepy at these times there may not be an issue with your sleep patterns.

• Are you overweight? In the event that you can't keep weight off no matter how much you exercise or diet, it is possible that too much sleep is the cause.

• How much do you depend upon coffee?

Other relevant sites on the various sleeping disorder