Why Do I Sleep So Much?

In a nation where so many of us are struggling to get enough sleep, the issue of oversleeping might seem like a luxury problem.

We know that sleeping is vital for brain function, memory and physical health. It’s a time when our brains process all of the information and stimuli from the day, and it’s when our bodies repair, grow and heal.

You’ve heard the phrase “too much of a good thing,” and this also applies to your sleep routine too. If you are someone who “needs” more than nine hours of sleep per night, you may be doing more harm than good. The effects of oversleeping include an increased risk of a variety of health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, depression, heart disease and mood disorders.

What is Oversleeping?

Most experts agree that eight hours is the ideal amount of shuteye for adults.

However, keep in mind that everyone is different depending on your age, daily energy expenditure and lifestyle-you may need more or less sleep than what’s recommended.

So, to answer the question of what constitutes oversleeping or excessive sleeping – it’s any regular sleeping habits that are longer than nine hours.

What Are the Symptoms of Oversleeping?

The most visible symptoms include irritability, weight gain, low mood, increased pain levels and fatigue.

To know if you’re suffering from oversleeping, keep a log of how much you sleep each night and how you feel in the morning and throughout the day. If you find that you’re sleeping more than the recommended amount and still feel groggy, you may be oversleeping.

How to Prevent Excessive Sleeping?

Eat Healthily

If you find that you’re exhausted even after the right number of resting hours, you may be eating an unhealthy diet that’s deficient in vital nutrients.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol affects the sleep cycle so you may need to cut back or avoid it altogether to see if it helps improve the quality of your rest and your daily energy levels.

Exercise

Movement and exercise are helpful in increasing energy by boosting endorphin levels.

It might take a couple of weeks to find your new rhythm when adopting new lifestyle traits, but once you do, you should feel a lot better!

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