Are You Sleeping Enough… or Too Much?

Getting solid sleep in the right amount can make a huge difference in how you feel. Sleeping too little or too much can heighten your sense of fatigue. Even when you log enough hours, you may still drag through the next day if that sleep was broken by frequent wake-ups or poor quality rest.

We all know sleep deprivation hits your health and your whole self: loss of focus on simple tasks, memory lapses, weaker immunity, higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and more.

But have you ever considered that sleeping too much carries its own risks?

Most of us need roughly eight hours a night to feel refreshed during the day, yet what counts as enough sleep is highly personal. It makes sense that getting less than you need leaves you tired. What may surprise you is that sleeping more than you need can leave you feeling unrefreshed and low-energy. In fact, many people find that on days they sleep longer than usual, they feel more lethargic and unmotivated.

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How Much Is Too Much?

The amount of sleep you need varies significantly across your life. It depends on your age and activity level, as well as your overall health, habits, and lifestyle. For example, during periods of stress or illness, you may feel a greater need for sleep. Even though sleep needs change over time and from person to person, experts generally recommend that adults get between seven and nine hours each night.

Why Do People Sleep Too Much?

For people who suffer from hypersomnia, oversleeping is actually a medical issue. The condition causes extreme daytime sleepiness that naps usually do not relieve. It also leads them to sleep for unusually long stretches at night. Many people with hypersomnia experience symptoms of:

• anxiety
• low energy
• memory problems
• depression

Of course, not everyone who sleeps too much has a medical problem driving the extra hours. Other possible causes of oversleeping include the use of certain substances, such as alcohol and some prescription medications. And then there are people who simply prefer to sleep a lot.