While occasional oversleeping may not be harmful, regularly sleeping for more than nine hours can be detrimental to your health. Though individual sleep needs vary, prolonged periods of sleep may indicate underlying medical issues. Typically, adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning. But how do you know if you are sleeping too much? We spoke with experts to understand oversleeping, its signs, causes, and impacts.
Understanding Sleep Patterns
Sleep patterns vary widely among individuals, influenced by factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. While the recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7-9 hours per night, some may naturally require more or less. According to Dr. Vipul Gupta, Chief of NeuroInterventional Surgery and Co-Chief of the Stroke Unit at Artemis Hospital, “Oversleeping is generally defined as sleeping for more than nine hours per night. However, individual sleep needs can vary, so it’s important to consider your typical sleep patterns and how you feel after waking up.”
The Sleep Foundation notes that optimal sleep requirements differ based on individual factors like daytime habits, health status, and sleep patterns. For example, older adults may find six hours sufficient, while athletes might need an extra hour. Occasionally, circumstances like strenuous activity or travel may necessitate more sleep than usual.
The Importance of Balanced Rest
PV Shyam Sunder, Director of Concept and Technology at Evolv28, highlights the need for balance: “We often overlook the importance of rest when we’re preoccupied with achieving success. These days, we’re tempted to keep pushing ourselves without enough sleep, which can harm our creativity, ability to handle challenges, and overall health. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.”
He adds, “Rest is like the foundation of a building or the soil that helps plants grow. We need to prioritise self-care and ensure we’re getting enough rest to unlock our potential to dream big, be creative, and inspire others.”
Signs of Oversleeping
Excessive sleep, or hypersomnia, is characterized by sleeping excessively beyond what is normal for an individual. Signs include persistent fatigue, headaches, and difficulty waking up in the morning.
Possible Causes of Oversleeping
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like hypersomnia, narcolepsy, or sleep apnea can cause extended periods of sleep.
- Mental Health Conditions: Depression and other mood disorders can lead to oversleeping as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
Health Risks Associated with Oversleeping
Dr. Gupta warns, “While occasional long sleep durations may not be cause for concern, persistent oversleeping can negatively impact physical and mental health, including increased risks of obesity, diabetes, depression, and impaired cognitive and immune function.” Factors influencing sleep needs include age, lifestyle habits, underlying health conditions, medications, stress levels, and environmental factors like noise and light exposure.
Improving Sleep Quality
To improve sleep quality, establish a regular sleep-wake schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment. Avoid using electronic devices before bed. According to StatPearls, diagnosing oversleeping involves various tests, including:
- Polysomnography
- Home sleep test for sleep apnea
- Multiple sleep latency tests
- Other home tests to assess daytime sleepiness
Seeking Medical Advice
Dr. Gupta concludes, “If someone consistently finds themselves sleeping excessively despite adequate time in bed and proper sleep hygiene practices, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical or psychological issues.”
