September 8th 2024.
Getting a good night's sleep is something we all strive for, but for some, it can seem like a never-ending battle. While some people can effortlessly drift off to dreamland, others may need to rely on various tools such as eye masks, white noise machines, and blackout blinds to catch some z's.
On the other hand, some lucky individuals can simply close their eyes and fall asleep without any effort. They don't have to count sheep or struggle to find the perfect sleeping position. In fact, they may even sleep for longer than necessary, well into the afternoon.
According to the NHS, adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. While getting enough sleep is crucial for our physical and mental well-being, there is such a thing as oversleeping. To understand why some people may be sleeping too much and what can be done about it, we spoke to a sleep expert.
Dr. Lindsay Browning, a sleep expert at Trouble Sleeping and author of Navigating Sleeplessness, explains that regularly sleeping for more than nine hours could be a warning sign of underlying health issues. She says, "Excessive sleeping is often a symptom of depression. People with chronic fatigue syndrome or hypothyroidism may also find themselves feeling tired throughout the day and sleeping longer than recommended."
In some cases, oversleeping could be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts sleep quality and may go undetected. Dr. Lindsay adds, "People with untreated sleep apnea often have poor quality sleep at night and may take daytime naps, resulting in more than nine hours of sleep per night." Additionally, those with narcolepsy may also experience excessive sleepiness during the day.
Apart from being a symptom of underlying health conditions, oversleeping is also linked to an increased risk of dangerous conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, Dr. Lindsay points out that it is unclear whether oversleeping leads to poor health or vice versa. She says, "It's not clear if getting too much sleep causes poor health or if people who are already unwell tend to sleep longer. This is because those who are unwell usually need more sleep than healthy individuals."
Studies also suggest that oversleeping may lead to increased inflammation in the body. So, if you find yourself oversleeping and still feeling tired, it's essential to consult your GP.
To maintain a healthy sleep routine, Dr. Lindsay recommends practicing good sleep hygiene, which includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, getting exposure to bright sunlight during the day, engaging in physical activity, and avoiding heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Vicki Beevers, CEO of The Sleep Charity, shares some additional tips for a better night's sleep. She advises avoiding electronic devices in the hour before bedtime, sticking to a regular sleep and wake time, exercising during the day, eating well, following a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding sleep-monitoring apps that may cause unnecessary anxiety.
If you're struggling with sleep issues, you're not alone. Research suggests that 40% of the adult population faces similar challenges. If you need support, you can reach out to The Sleep Charity's national helpline.
It's essential to seek professional help if you consistently sleep for more than nine hours a night and still feel tired. Additionally, if your sleeping patterns are affecting your daily functioning, it's crucial to consult your GP.
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