FAQs
“While consistently getting less than the recommended amount of sleep has been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes, sleeping more than nine hours per night regularly may also be detrimental,” Makekau says. She says oversleeping can lead to: Increased fatigue and low energy. Decrease in immune function.
What is the symptoms of sleeping too much? ›
Symptoms of hypersomnia
Feeling unusually tired all the time. The need for daytime naps. Feeling drowsy, despite sleeping and napping – not refreshed on waking up. Difficulty thinking and making decisions – the mind feels 'foggy'
What happens to my body when I sleep too much? ›
Findings include: Too much sleep — as well as not enough sleep — raises the risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and obesity in adults age 45 and older. Sleeping too much puts you at greater risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes than sleeping too little.
Is there a condition where you sleep too much? ›
Hypersomnia is the inability to stay awake and alert during the day despite having more than an adequate amount of nighttime sleep. Hypersomnia challenges work life, social life and home life. Treatments include medications, non-drug options and education and support groups.
Can sleeping too much become a problem? ›
It's true a good night's sleep is essential for health. But oversleeping has been linked to a host of medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk of death.
What does a lot of sleep do to your body? ›
Too Much of a Good Thing? Sleep needs vary, but on average, regularly sleeping more than 9 hours a night may do more harm than good. Research found that people who slept longer had more calcium buildup in their heart arteries and less flexible leg arteries, too.
How can I stop sleeping too much? ›
Tips to stop oversleeping
- Establish a consistent wake-up time — and stick to it. ...
- Place your alarm clock on the other side of the room. ...
- Give yourself a reason to get up. ...
- Once you're up, go straight into the bathroom, wash your face and brush your teeth. ...
- Make your bed as soon as you wake up.
What deficiency causes too much sleep? ›
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Rare Cause of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness.
How much sleep is too much for the elderly? ›
Excessive sleep is generally defined as ten or more hours of sleep per day or night. Research showed a 23% prevalence of excessive sleepiness among older adults (average age of 84), and many cases of daytime sleepiness are associated with frequent sleep disturbances during the night.
Why am I sleeping so much all of a sudden? ›
Hypersomnia is what doctors call a variety of conditions in which you often feel overly tired or sleep too much. It can happen because of illnesses like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, or mental conditions like depression. It's also the main symptom of narcolepsy and of a condition called Kleine-Levin syndrome.
Some ways to help you get up and going after oversleeping include drinking water, doing yoga, eating food, splashing water in your face, and getting physical activity.
How to stop sleeping so deeply? ›
Lifestyle changes may include:
- Limit your naps to one (preferably in the afternoon) lasting no longer than 45 minutes.
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep.
- Avoid shift work, alcohol and caffeine.
What is the disease where you fall asleep a lot? ›
What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day.
What to call a person who sleeps a lot? ›
Answer : A person who sleeps too much or usually feels very sleepy is called "somnolent". The word "somnolent" is an Adjective and its Noun form is "somnolence". It must not be confused with "narcolepsy", which is a medical condition in which a person quickly and always falls asleep as soon as they feel comfortable.
Why am I sleepy all the time? ›
Common causes of tiredness and fatigue include: not getting enough sleep or finding it hard to get to sleep (insomnia) an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise) stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby.
How much sleep do you need by age? ›
How many hours of sleep are enough for good health?
Age group | Recommended amount of sleep |
---|
3 to 5 years | 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours, including naps |
6 to 12 years | 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours |
13 to 18 years | 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours |
Adults | 7 or more hours a night |
2 more rows
What is the cause of feeling sleepy all the time? ›
Common causes of tiredness and fatigue include: not getting enough sleep or finding it hard to get to sleep (insomnia) an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise) stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby.
What is the cure for sleeping too much? ›
Treatment usually involves stimulant medications, which help the person stay awake. Antidepressant medications may help control hallucinations and episodes of sleep paralysis. Doctors may also recommend that people take a few good naps throughout the day, as this can improve narcolepsy symptoms.
Is it okay to sleep all day once in awhile? ›
While occasional bed rest can be a form of self-care, staying in bed excessively may indicate underlying mental health conditions such as depression or phobias. You should assess how staying in bed makes you feel in the short- and long-term.