She Strengthens

The Hidden Dangers of Oversleeping: What’s Behind Your Excessive Slumber?

Are you consistently sleeping more than you should? While catching a few extra Z’s might seem harmless, oversleeping can be a sign of underlying health issues. Let’s dive into the potential causes and explore ways to ensure restful nights and energized days.

Understanding Sleep Needs

Our sleep requirements fluctuate based on factors like pregnancy, sleep deprivation, sleep quality, and aging. Here’s a breakdown of how much sleep you need by age:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
• School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
• Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
• Young adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hours
• Adults (26-64 years): 7-9 hours
• Older adults (65 years and over): 7-8 hours

Uncovering the Causes of Oversleeping

While it’s tempting to blame a busy schedule or lack of sleep, there may be more to it. Let’s explore some potential causes:

Depression

Depression can significantly impact your sleep patterns. Some people with depression sleep excessively, while others struggle to get enough rest. This can lead to a vicious cycle, as sleep disturbances can trigger depression. If you suspect you have depression, reach out to a doctor or mental health professional.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid issues are common, affecting about 12% of the US population. Females are up to 8 times more likely to have a thyroid issue than males. Hypothyroidism occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. A routine blood check can detect thyroid issues.

Sickness

When you’re under the weather, your body needs extra energy to heal. This can lead to excessive sleepiness. Sleep plays a crucial role in boosting your immune system, which is why you may feel the urge to sleep more when you’re ill.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide. It causes pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to non-restful sleep and daytime sleepiness.

Narcolepsy

This rare condition causes sudden bursts of sleep, even at inappropriate times. Narcolepsy results in intense daytime sleepiness and falling asleep during everyday activities.

The Consequences of Oversleeping

While sleeping too much isn’t a direct cause of health issues, it’s associated with:

• Weight gain
• Heart disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Memory loss
• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• Narcolepsy

Diagnosing Oversleeping

If you’ve been sleeping excessively for 6 weeks or longer, it’s time to consult your doctor. Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle habits, medications, and health history. Your doctor may recommend:

• Keeping a sleep diary
• Taking a polysomnogram
• Taking a multiple sleep latency test
• Rating your sleepiness on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Tips for Better Sleep

Stick to a consistent sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends. Unplug from digital devices a few hours before bed, and create a sleep oasis with blackout drapes, earplugs, or an app like Calm. Keep a sleep diary to identify patterns and ditch afternoon caffeine treats.

The Bottom Line

Oversleeping can be a sign of underlying health issues. By understanding the causes and taking steps to address them, you can ensure restful nights and energized days. If sleep tips don’t help, your doctor can help you find the root cause of excessive sleepiness.