We often hear about the harms of lack of sleep, but did you know that too much sleep can also have negative effects on your health? While the amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, on average, adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping for longer periods of time may not always be beneficial, and can sometimes be harmful. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential harms of too much sleep.
Increased risk of obesity: Studies have shown that individuals who sleep for more than 9 hours per night are at a higher risk of being overweight or obese. This may be due to changes in metabolism and hormonal balance, as well as decreased physical activity levels.
Increased risk of diabetes: Sleeping for more than 9 hours per night has been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. This may be due to changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Increased risk of heart disease: Studies have shown that individuals who sleep for more than 9 hours per night are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. This may be due to changes in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as decreased physical activity levels.
Increased risk of depression: While lack of sleep is often associated with depression, sleeping for too long can also increase the risk of depression. This may be due to changes in neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Increased risk of mortality: Sleeping for more than 9 hours per night has been associated with an increased risk of mortality. This may be due to a combination of the above factors, as well as other unknown factors.
It is important to note that these risks are associated with sleeping for more than 9 hours per night, and do not necessarily apply to individuals who naturally require more sleep due to medical conditions or other factors. However, if you find yourself consistently sleeping for longer periods of time and experiencing some of these symptoms, it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional to determine if there is an underlying medical issue.
In conclusion, while getting enough sleep is important for overall health and wellbeing, it is equally important to ensure that you are not sleeping for too long. If you are consistently sleeping for more than 9 hours per night and experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above, it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
