There is such a thing as sleeping too little or sleep deprivation, but have you ever considered that there is also such a thing as sleeping too much? Sleeping 9 or more hours a night, or even sleeping too much throughout the day can cause a number of health problems, implying that to stay in peak condition it is important to get the right amount of sleep rather than too much or too little. Here are some of the ways oversleeping can actually be bad for you.
Obesity
Sleeping for over nine hours can cause a decrease in the hormone leptin, a hormone that controls your appetite. A decrease in leptin can make you hungrier than usual, leading you to overeating, heightening the risk for obesity. There have been cross-sectional studies done on adults that connect the link between weight gain and sleep. Providing evidence that both short and long sleepers are at an increased risk of gaining weight, revealing that short and long sleepers are 35% and 25% more likely to get a 5 kg weight gain in the span of 6 years.
Diabetes
With the increased risk of obesity comes the increased risk of diabetes, studies revealing that poor sleep increases a person’s chance of getting diabetes. Excessive sleep promotes glucose intolerance, where the body doesn’t make enough insulin and prevents it from properly processing sugars, soon causing higher than normal blood sugar levels. Thus heightening your risk for diabetes.
Anxiety and Depression
Despite insomnia being more associated with depression, oversleeping is also related to it, with roughly 15% of people who are diagnosed with depression that sleep more than usual, and because of this it can even make the depression worse. It is important to note that oversleeping is moreso a symptom of depression rather than being the cause of it, sleeping too much can cause a person to feel left out, or that they’ve missed out on what could have happened throughout the day, feeling as if they’ve lost time that could have been properly spent.
Heart Disease
Sleeping too much was found to also increase people’s risks in heart disease. A study done by JAMA Internal Medicine observed the incidence of Coronary Heart Disease related events in 71,617 female health professionals, with 5% of them sleeping for 9 hours or more a day. Their results suggest that poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of Coronary Heart Disease. Sleeping too much or too little can also increase your risk for stroke, a study done showing that those who reported longer durations of sleep have doubled their risk of getting a stroke.
Exhaustion/Fatigue
When you decide to sneak in a couple more hours of sleep in the day, you may find that you feel more exhausted than refreshed for the day. Sleeping for too long is generally characterized by reduced energy, likely due to the long hours in bed. There was a study done that measured the “wakefulness” of its participants after 9 hours or more of sleeping, revealing that more sleep lessens a person’s wakefulness, spending their day more tired than usual.
Weaker Immune System
As you wake up feeling exhausted from sleeping for far too long, it’s important to recognize the impact of poor sleep on your overall health. Inadequate sleep can significantly weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and infections. This compromised immune function not only increases your risk of common colds and flu but also heightens the likelihood of developing more serious medical conditions. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even mental health disorders. Prioritizing quality sleep is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and overall well-being.
Cognitive performance
As mentioned, sleeping too much can certainly make you exhausted, leading up to not being able to perform well as the day goes on. Research revealed that too much sleep can actually hinder your cognitive performance, or how properly you’re able to think and make decisions. A study done that analyzed long sleeps and daytime sleepiness found that such things are associated with cognitive impairment. Similarly, another study was done that tested participants and their sleep durations, those with longer hours of sleep revealed to have poor brain performance when taking the test provided by the researchers.
Overall Lower Quality of Life
Naturally, spending more hours in bed means taking time away from activities you love. Oversleeping can be frustrating, especially when you realize it has impacted your productivity for the day. This can lead to less time spent with family, exercising, or engaging in your favorite hobbies. Research shows that oversleeping can negatively affect your mental and physical health, leading to feelings of lethargy and decreased motivation. Additionally, excessive sleep has been linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Prioritizing a balanced sleep schedule can help you make the most of your day and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
