Is over sleeping bad for you?

Sleep is awesome. Sadly, you really can have too much of an awesome thing.

Are You Sleeping Too Much?

Research has shown that oversleeping may be harmful in several ways. For starters, it usually makes us feel more tired. That's because sleeping too much throws off our biological clock, and gives our cells mixed signals, resulting in a strong sense of fatigue (this is also how jetlag works!). Additionally, oversleeping can cause headaches because it affects the neurotransmitters of the brain. And it can even be the culprit of back pain - especially if the mattress is not ideal.

Medical Problems Linked to Oversleeping

i) Diabetes- 

Studies have shown that sleeping too long or not enough each night can increase the risk for diabetes.

ii) Obesity- 

Sleeping too much or too little could make you weigh too much, as well. One recent study showed that people who slept for nine or 10 hours every night were 21% more likely to become obese over a 6-year period.

iii) Headaches- For some people prone to headaches, sleeping longer than usual on a weekend or vacation can cause head pain. Researchers believe this is due to the effect oversleeping has on certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. People who sleep too much during the day and disrupt their nighttime sleep may also find themselves suffering from headaches in the morning.

iv) Back pain- 

Doctors now realize the health benefits of maintaining a certain level of activity. And they recommend against sleeping more than usual, when possible.

v) Depression

- Although insomnia is more commonly linked to depression than oversleeping is, roughly 15% of people with depression sleep too much. This may in turn make their depression worse. 

So how much sleep is too much? Many doctors recommend seven to nine hours a night - but even for one person, that number can depend on things like age, lifestyle, and health. The need for sleep can increase, for example, if someone is recovering from an illness or just experienced severe jetlag.

Although oversleeping occasionally probably isn't bad for you, please speak with a doctor if you're concerned about your sleep patterns. Click here to book an appointment today with a Psychiatrist!