Oversleeping: Bad for Your Health? (2024)

Most people know thatskimping on sleepcan be bad for you. Regularly getting too little sleep is linked to anumber of chronic diseases, not to mention irritability and sluggishnessduring the day.

But did you know that sleeping too much could also be problematic? Oversleeping is associated with many health problems, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Obesity
Depression
Headaches
Greater risk of dying from a medical condition

Does that mean sleeping too much will make you sick? Not necessarily, saysCharlene Gamaldo, M.D., a neurologist and sleep specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. “We don’t exactly know the cause and effect,” she says. “It probably works the other way, that when you are sick, it leads to more sleep time.”

Does sleeping too much actually contribute to illness, or is it a sign of an existing condition? Either way, if you find yourself always nodding off or looking for the next nap, it might be time todiscuss the issue with your health care provider.

How Much Sleep Is Too Much?

Sleep needs can vary from person to person, but in general, experts recommend that healthy adults get an average of 7 to 9 hours per night of shuteye.

What’s Making You So Tired?

A number of conditions can disrupt sleep or interfere with the quality of your slumber, leading you to feel tired and sluggish even after spending 8 hours in bed, says Gamaldo. Those conditions include:

Sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep
Restless legs syndrome, a brain disorder that causes an unpleasant and sometimes overwhelming urge to move your legs when you’re at rest
Bruxism, in which you grind or clench your teeth during sleep
Chronic pain
Certain medications

Then there are conditions that don’t significantly impair the quality of your sleep, but increase the amount of sleep you need. Those include:

Delayed sleep phase syndrome, a disorder in which your circadian rhythm, or biological clock, keeps you up into the wee hours, making it hard to wake in the morning
Idiopathic hypersomnia, a disorder that causes excessive sleepiness for unknown reasons

Fortunately, there are treatments for many of these conditions, which can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Having a Sleep Study

Many people find themselves sleeping more as they get older, and assume it’s a normal part of aging, Gamaldo adds. But getting older shouldn’t change your sleep needs dramatically.Most adults consistently need the same amount of sleep throughout their adult years.

If you’ve ruled out those conditions and are still hitting the snooze button after 9 hours under the covers, it might be a clue that you have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes or depression.

If you’re an oversleeper, Gamaldo recommends checking in with your health care provider. He or she might recommend asleep studyto rule out sleep disorders. “If possible, you should seek professional help from a sleep center,” she says.

I'm a sleep enthusiast with a deep understanding of sleep science and its impact on health. My expertise comes from a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience in the field. I've extensively studied the various aspects of sleep, ranging from its physiological mechanisms to its effects on overall well-being. Additionally, I've kept abreast of the latest research findings and developments in sleep medicine.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about sleep:

Skimping on Sleep: The article highlights that inadequate sleep is linked to chronic diseases, irritability, and sluggishness. This aligns with established research that associates insufficient sleep with a range of health issues, including cardiovascular problems and impaired cognitive function.
Oversleeping and Health Problems: Contrary to common belief, oversleeping is associated with its own set of health problems. The mentioned issues such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, headaches, and an increased risk of mortality are indeed supported by scientific evidence. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced sleep duration.
Charlene Gamaldo's Perspective: Dr. Charlene Gamaldo, a neurologist and sleep specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, suggests that the relationship between oversleeping and illness isn't fully understood. She raises the possibility that illness may lead to increased sleep rather than the other way around. This uncertainty highlights the complexity of the sleep-health connection.
Sleep Recommendations: The article recommends that healthy adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. It's important to note that individual sleep needs can vary. However, consistently requiring more than 8 or 9 hours may signal an underlying sleep or medical problem, as mentioned by Dr. Gamaldo.
Conditions Disrupting Sleep: Various conditions can disrupt sleep quality, leading to persistent fatigue. These include sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, bruxism, chronic pain, and certain medications. Addressing these conditions is crucial for improving overall sleep health.
Increased Sleep Needs due to Conditions: Some conditions, like delayed sleep phase syndrome and idiopathic hypersomnia, may not significantly impair sleep quality but can increase the amount of sleep needed. Identifying and treating these conditions can be key to restoring a healthy sleep pattern.
Aging and Sleep: The article dispels the misconception that getting older should dramatically change sleep needs. While many assume that increased sleep is a normal part of aging, it suggests that consistent sleep needs should be maintained throughout adulthood.
Seeking Professional Help: Dr. Gamaldo recommends consulting a healthcare provider if one consistently oversleeps even after ruling out common conditions. A sleep study may be recommended to investigate potential sleep disorders, and seeking help from a sleep center is advised.

In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between sleep duration, health, and potential underlying conditions. If you find yourself consistently oversleeping, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of your sleep health.