It may go without saying that a lack of sleep is detrimental to the brain, heart, and overall health. It also negatively impacts skin condition and reduces libido. However, we know significantly less about the risks associated with excessive sleep.
Recent studies have shown that sleeping more than 9 hours can be worse for health than sleep deprivation. So, how much sleep do we actually need? And what does our desire to sleep longer indicate?
Quality Sleep: The Key to Good Health
Alongside nutrition and physical activity, sleep is a crucial foundation of our health. During sleep, physiological processes occur that allow our bodies to function effectively while awake. These processes include muscle recovery, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.
Most sleep experts recommend that adults get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. While some of us may feel fine with less than 7 hours, researchers from CQUniversity in Australia have reported.
Meanwhile, for most people, sleep deprivation can have negative consequences. According to scientists, it’s not just about mood swings, increased stress, and an inability to focus on work the next day. In the long run, a lack of quality sleep is linked to numerous health issues. It is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and thyroid diseases, mental health disorders, and more.
But Too Much Sleep Can Be Just as Harmful
In a recent study conducted by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center under the direction of Professor Zoltan Ungvari, experts analyzed the results of 79 previous studies that examined the impact of sleep duration on health for at least a year.
The team found that individuals who slept less than 7 hours a day had a 14 percent higher risk of death during the study period compared to those who slept 7-8 hours. This is not surprising given the known health risks associated with sleep deprivation, as reported by Science Alert.
However, researchers also discovered that those who slept excessively (more than 9 hours) had a 34 percent higher risk of death compared to those who slept 7-8 hours.
This confirms the findings of a similar study from 2018, published by an international team of scientists in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). The researchers analyzed the results of 74 studies that tracked the sleep and health of participants over periods ranging from one to 30 years. Ultimately, they found that sleeping more than 9 hours is associated with a 14 percent increased risk of death.
The studies also indicated that excessive sleep (longer than what a person’s age requires) can lead to depression, chronic pain, weight gain, and metabolic disorders.
More on the Connection Between Long Sleep and Health
Individuals with chronic illnesses often sleep longer than others. Their bodies require additional rest for recovery. Furthermore, risk factors for poor health, such as smoking and obesity, are also linked to poor sleep. This means that people may sleep longer due to existing health issues or lifestyle choices. In simpler terms, prolonged sleep can be a symptom of poor health rather than its cause.
The need for sleep can vary by age. Teenagers often feel a physical need to sleep more, which is why the recommended sleep duration for them is slightly higher than for adults: between 8 to 10 hours. Older adults also tend to spend more time in bed.
Australian experts recommend that to ensure a good night’s sleep, one should spend more time outdoors, maintain an active lifestyle, and adhere to a regular sleep-wake schedule.
If you find yourself constantly wanting to sleep longer than usual, it might be your body signaling some underlying issues. So, it wouldn’t hurt to consult a doctor.