Who doesn’t love to sleep? Curling up beneath a warm blanket, wearing your softest pajamas, letting the worries of the day slip away, and drifting off to dreamland . . . Especially after a long day, there’s nothing better than cozying up in a comfortable bed. Typically, people are worried about getting enough sleep. For many people, it’s difficult to squeeze in seven or eight hours of shut-eye each night. But some people are able to get more sleep than the doctor ordered. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering, “How much sleep is too much?”
How Much Sleep Is Too Much?
According to the Sleep Foundation, oversleeping (also known as long sleeping) is defined as “sleeping more than nine hours in a 24-hour period.” As a reminder, most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night on average.
If you sleep more than nine hours every once in a while, you have nothing to be concerned about. Sometimes our bodies temporarily need more sleep. For example, if you’re sick, traveling, or very physically active, you may find yourself craving a few extra hours of sleep. However, if you consistently require over nine hours of sleep, this may be a sign of an underlying health issue.
What Health Issues Can Cause Oversleeping?
Several health problems can cause oversleeping and a general feeling of sleepiness. These include the following:
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic pain
Sleeping too much isn’t just a symptom of a larger health issue. It can also cause adverse effects. For example, it can exacerbate inflammation in the body, decrease immune function, and lead to chronic diseases.
Are you concerned that you may be suffering from one of these issues? Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and potential treatments.
Fostering Healthy Sleeping Habits
If you’re frustrated with your body’s frequent desire for more sleep, your doctor is your best resource. However, you can also implement some healthy sleeping habits to prevent oversleeping:
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends. This will help you avoid “sleep debt.”
- Develop a bedtime routine. Kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a bedtime routine. To help your body relax and ready itself for sleep, dim the lights in your bedroom, change into comfy pajamas, and avoid electronics.
- Create a relaxing sleep environment. Your bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet (or you might prefer the white noise of a fan or sound machine).
- Go outside and exercise during the day. Spending time outdoors and working out can both help you fall asleep faster. However, avoid exercise near your bedtime.
- Avoid late-afternoon naps. If you nap too late in the afternoon, you may find it hard to fall asleep at bedtime.
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of a good mattress. If you find yourself sleeping in because your sleep quality is poor, perhaps it’s time to look into replacing your mattress with a more comfortable model.
To explore top-quality mattresses for the whole family, stop by Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. At our locations in Springfield and Branson, Missouri, we provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming, but with our wide variety of mattresses and expert sales staff, we can put your worries to rest. To get started, please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.