Many people do not get enough sleep all the time, but too much sleep can be harmful too. Find out why too much of it has a negative effect on your body and how to achieve balance. So what if you sleep too much?
You will have an increased risk of heart disease
The negative effects of sleep deprivation are well known; the effects of excessive sleep are less well understood. Researchers recommend seven to nine hours of sleep. But what if you sleep more? Can you sleep too much? There is a growing body of scientific evidence confirming that excess sleep has a negative effect on the body. Sleep itself is not harmful, but excessive amounts of it may indicate that you have problems with its quality or that you have some kind of illness. In addition, there are people for whom it is natural and normal to sleep a little longer - they function well exactly when they sleep nine to ten hours. It is important to control your condition. For example, sometimes too much sleep can be associated with cardiovascular disease. People who sleep more than eight hours a nightare twice as likely to experience chest pain and ten percent more susceptible to coronary artery disease. The risk of heart disease is even higher - it increases by thirty-eight percent in those who sleep too much. The risk of stroke is also increasing - scientists say there is a forty-six percent increase in the likelihood of developing it. If you already have a genetic predisposition to these conditions, consider optimizing your sleep schedule as soon as possible. If you already have a genetic predisposition to these conditions, consider optimizing your sleep schedule as soon as possible. If you already have a genetic predisposition to these conditions, consider optimizing your sleep schedule as soon as possible.
You may not be able to get enough sleep
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According to scientists, too much sleep can indicate problems - your rest is disrupted and you are not getting the recovery you need. For example, people with sleep apnea, a common breathing problem, often sleep too long. If ignored, this condition can lead to stroke or heart disease. Other problems such as stomach upset or hot flashes can also make it difficult for you to sleep, and it can even be a problem that the room is not dark or quiet enough. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you too can worsen your sleep. When you find that you do not feel rejuvenated even after lying in bed for a long time, you should consult your doctor. This will help you identify the root cause of your problem.
You are more likely to be obese
Weight gain is another factor associated with increased sleep hours. Breathing problems, depression and various medications that increase sleep duration also cause weight gain. However, sometimes the dream itself can be the reason. If you are overweight, you are more likely to sleep longer, and vice versa, someone who sleeps a lot is more likely to face extra pounds. When you lie a lot, you don't exercise or move, your body uses fewer calories. Studies have shown that people who sleep for long periods are more likely to gain 5 pounds in a few years. If you want to stay in top shape, try to sleep on a normal schedule.
You may develop diabetes
Not surprising when you consider the link between sleep and obesity. With long sleep, the risk of developing diabetes also increases. Scientists have found that even with normal body weight, people who sleep too much double their risk of diabetes. Too much sleep affects your blood glucose levels, whatever your weight or activity level. The exact mechanisms are still being studied, but the relationship is already clear.
You may get headaches
Do you know this feeling after a long sleep, when you wake up in a broken state, with a headache, almost like a hangover? This sensation can be a side effect of excess sleep. Scientists cannot explain in detail the mechanism of this process. It has been suggested that fluctuations in neurotransmitter levels during prolonged sleep may cause pain. In addition, it may be that the person wakes up later than his usual breakfast and the moment he drinks coffee, and the pain may be associated with low blood sugar, dehydration or lack of caffeine in the body. Try to get the same amount of sleep every night, whether on weekdays or weekends.
You may face depression
One of the symptoms of depression is excess sleep. If you have psychological problems, it may be difficult for you to get out of bed. Research shows that excess sleep may be associated with psychological stress. In addition, excessive sleep activates genes associated with depression symptoms. Also, prolonged rest leads to a decrease in physical activity. Being active reduces the likelihood of depression by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, stimulating the production of endorphins, distracting from stressful moments and boosting self-esteem. Some people with depression sleep more because they want to hide from reality.
You will feel more pain
Decrease in activity and constant stay in bed can cause discomfort in the body, especially for people with back problems. If you are lying down for an excessive amount of time or you have a poor quality mattress, you may experience pain. If you return to your previous level of activity, you can restore normal well-being and optimize the amount of sleep.
Your brain will work worse
In addition to headaches, you can also face problems with concentration. The researchers found that older women who slept for more than nine hours had impaired cognitive abilities. In addition, there is a link between the tendency to sleep for a long time and senile dementia in the future. Since sleep duration is associated with many factors affecting cognitive abilities, it should be noted that there is a direct connection. In addition, the reduced quality of rest also lowers the functionality of the brain.
Your circadian rhythms are disrupted
Sleeping too long can cause your circadian rhythms to be disrupted, just like after a long flight to a country with a different time zone. That is why it is not recommended to sleep for a long time on weekends. Circadian rhythms are controlled by an internal clock, the part of the brain that responds to light signals. When light hits your eyes, your internal clock determines when it's time for you to wake up and triggers a number of other processes, such as hormonal processes. All this is necessary for you to wake up and start functioning normally. If you sleep for too long, circadian rhythms are disrupted, the body reacts worse to light signals and your daily routine is spoiled, including at the physiological level. Studies have shown that sleeping too long even impairs fertility in women. How do you get back to normal? Try to stop using gadgets before bed, keep the room cool and dark, and develop a clear sleep schedule. If you are worried that you have trouble sleeping for medical reasons, start keeping a sleep diary and recording how you are feeling. You can discuss the results with your doctor.
Marina Ilyushenko