Physical Side Effects of Oversleeping

When it comes to sleep, a good night’s sleep is essential for health. Sleeping more than usual or oversleeping is considered as a sign of various health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk of death. Depression and low socioeconomic status are the two health issues that are strongly associated with oversleeping.

Oversleeping: How Much Sleep Is Too Much? 

The amount of sleep you need to stay healthy depends on various factors including your age, activity level, and general health and lifestyle habits. As per National Sleep Foundation guidelines, the amount of need that an individual needs as per the age is:

Your need for sleep may increase during periods of stress or illness. Although sleep needs vary from person to person, it’s recommended that adults should sleep between seven and nine hours each night.

Oversleeping is called “long sleeping” or “hypersomnia”. People with hypersomnia might need approximately 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night to feel their best. Hypersomnia typically starts in childhood. If you haven’t always felt as tired as you do now, it can be a sign of serious health issues.

There various health conditions that might cause you to oversleep are:

• thyroid issues
• depression
• sleep apnea
• heart disease
• narcolepsy
• certain medications

 Medical Problems Related to Oversleeping

The various medical problems that are related to oversleeping are:

• Diabetes – According to a study, sleeping too long or oversleeping can increase the risk of diabetes. If you feel you’re oversleeping, it’s best to consult with your doctor and get your sugar levels checked.
• Obesity – Sleeping too much or too little can also increase the risk of putting on extra kilos. According to a study,people who sleep for 9-10 hours every night have 21% more chances to become obese in comparison to people who sleep between 7-8 hours.
• Headaches – Sleeping longer than usual every day, or on a weekend, or vacation can cause headaches in people who’re prone to headaches. It is one of the oversleeping effects on certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. People who sleep too much during the day and disrupt their nighttime sleep may also experience headaches in the morning.
• Back pain– There was a time when doctors suggested people suffering from back pain to take bed rest completely. However, doctors’ now suggest people to maintain a certain level of activity to get relief from back pain. They also recommend not to sleep more than usual (7-9 hours).
• Depression – Approximately 15% of people with depression sleep too much. This may, in turn, make their depression worse. So it’s better to maintain regular sleeping habits as they’re important for the recovery process.
• Heart disease –According to a study, women who sleep 9-11 hours per night have a high risk of coronary heart disease than women who sleet eight hours. However, the researchers have not yet identified a reason for the connection between oversleeping and heart disease.

Tips to deal with oversleep

If you sleep more than 7-8 hours per night, see a doctor for a checkup. The doctor can help track the reasons why you oversleep.

• If alcohol or prescription medications are the reason behind oversleep, cutting back on or eliminating the use of these substances may help. You can consult with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend you some medications to cope with your addiction. Don’t stop taking your prescribed medicine, unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Remember, you can always use WiseRX^® prescription discount card to buy your medications at cheaper prices.
• Similarly, if your oversleeping is caused by an underlying medical condition, consult with your doctor for proper treatment. Treating your health issue or health disorder may allow you to return to normal sleep habits.
• Regardless of the cause of your oversleeping, practice good sleep hygiene. It will help you achieve the benefits of a healthy 7-9 hours of sleep each night. You can maintain your sleeping habit by going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time every day. To get proper night sleep, you must avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. Exercise regularly and make the environment of your bedroom comfortable to get the amount of sleep you need.

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