
Is Too Much Sleep Ruining Your Health? Here Are the Surprising Risks

You need sleep just as much as we need food and air, but can too much of a good thing be bad for you? We’re already aware of the consequences of poor sleep: risk of heart disease, overeating, obesity, and memory loss, but there isn’t much known about the harmful effects of getting too much sleep.

javi_indy / Shutterstock
Sleep deprivation is a serious problem among adults with more than one-third of the population getting less than the recommended 7 hours of shut-eye, according to CDC’s sleep statistics. But on the other end of the spectrum, people who are getting way too much sleep aren’t doing their health any favors either.
There isn’t enough research about the adverse effects of sleeping excessively but according to a meta-analysis by the Journal of the American Heart Association, it can lead to a higher mortality rate in people. The study found that the risk of early death increases significantly with each hour you spend oversleeping. The risk of mortality in participants who slept 9 hours a night was 14% whereas those who slept 11 hours or more were 50% more likely to die an early death due to any health complication.

tommaso79 / Shutterstock
But researchers often tend to overlook the risk of oversleeping because, given the day and age we live in, it’s quite uncommon for people to get more than 7 hours of shuteye during the workweek. Sleep is a luxury that most of us can’t afford on a regular basis, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re resting every night because it could be an indication of an underlying health issue.
The study has gone as far as to claim that oversleeping is far more dangerous than undersleeping and it can lead to complications like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease over time. Another research found evidence that people who are catching too many zzz’s had more C-reactive protein in their system which is an early indication of heart disease.
However, it is important to note that the correlation between sleep and high mortality risk doesn’t mean that these health problems are caused by oversleeping. It is very likely that people who oversleep generally have an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle, which could be the cause behind the health risk.

New Africa / Shutterstock
Doctors also warn that oversleeping is an indication of an underlying illness that is in preliminary stages. Obstructive sleep apnea is also a common culprit behind excessive sleeping which may lead to dangerous health issues down the line.
More in Uncategorized
-
`
3 Simple Tricks to Keep Your Kids Busy While You Work from Home
Being stuck at home all day is no easy feat, especially if you’re a working parent who must now find a...
January 17, 2023 -
`
Amazing Tips For Prioritizing Your Well-Being This Winter
Now that we have already stepped into a new year and while many of us are setting new year’s resolutions, the winter...
January 11, 2023 -
`
Make the Most out of WFH: Marie Kondo’s Productivity Hacks
Our lives may be chaotic amidst the ongoing pandemic, but Marie Kondo is here to the rescue, and her work-from-home tips...
January 5, 2023 -
`
Here Are The Celebrities YOU Searched For Most In 2022
In 2023, Google is commemorating the significant events of 2022. The platform has published its “Year in Search” statistics, which include...
December 29, 2022 -
`
Reasons Behind Walk-Away Moms
For many parents, the thought of abandoning their children is incomprehensible. In any case, most parents would never abandon their children...
December 25, 2022 -
`
4 Tips For Fathers To Achieve Work-Life Balance
The world changed after Covid, and so did our attitude as a race. As families started spending time together due to...
December 25, 2022 -
`
Money Hacks: How To Save $$$ On Groceries
Americans spend around $431 each month, or $5,174 annually, on food. Additionally, due to record-high inflation, this expense will continue to...
December 19, 2022 -
`
All the Incredible Things Taylor Swift Has Done for Her Fans in Times of Need
It’s no secret that Taylor Swift has a heart of gold and is considered one of the most charitable celebrities in...
December 5, 2022 -
`
Understanding The Importance Of Vegan Probiotics And How They Help Your Body
Right now, there are thousands of micro bacterium in your body that are effectively working to break down food in your gut....
December 1, 2022
You must be logged in to post a comment Login