Is Oversleeping Bad? The Dangers of Too Much Sleep

Oversleeping: we’ve all done it. We forget to set our alarm for the morning. A 20-minute power nap accidentally turns into two hours of deep slumber. We decide that weekends are for “sleeping in,” and before we know it, our day is gone. 

Besides causing us inconveniences, is oversleeping bad? Surprisingly, yes, oversleeping can be bad for you. Here at Texas Mattress Makers, we always preach the importance of getting enough sleep — but did you know that too much sleep can be just as concerning as too little? People always say too much of a good thing isn’t that great after all, and the same applies to sleep.

The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to discuss how much sleep is too much sleep, the dangers of oversleeping, and how to stop oversleeping. If you’re on the hunt for a new mattress, we have been voted the best mattress store in Houston for the past few years because of our amazing customer service and wide mattress selection. Stop by a showroom today! 

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How many hours is oversleeping?

Whether you’re fighting off an illness or catching up from an all-nighter, oversleeping every once in a blue moon is not a big deal. However, if you notice that you are oversleeping consistently, it can be a sign of a larger issue. 

How much sleep do adults need? On average, an adult needs 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night for the body and brain to perform their necessary restorative functions. If 7 – 9 hours is just enough sleep, how many hours is oversleeping? If you need more than nine hours of sleep every night to feel completely rested when you wake up, this is a red flag.

Why am I sleeping so much?

Aside from sleeping for more than nine hours every night, oversleeping symptoms can include:

• Daytime drowsiness
• Excessive or frequent napping
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Feeling groggy or lethargic when awake
• Difficulty with memory, concentration, or decision-making
• Having trouble waking up 
• Decreased appetite

We want to note that oversleeping symptoms can vary from person to person, but if you happen to notice any of the following scenarios above occurring frequently, it’s best not to hesitate and seek professional help. A psychiatrist, sleep specialist, or doctor can run tests to pinpoint the causes of your oversleeping and recommend personalized treatment plans.

Why does oversleeping occur? 

Oversleeping can be a result of certain health factors and habits:

• Sleep disorders, including insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy
• Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD
• Feeling overwhelmed or stressed consistently (Learn more about the sleep-stress cycle)
• Conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and chronic pain
• Frequent alcohol consumption
• Inconsistent sleep schedule 
• Sedentary lifestyle (poor diet, little to no exercise, staying inside too often)
• Certain medications

Similar to the effects of sleep deprivation, too much sleep can negatively impact your daily life and ability to function. It can also be the cause of long-term complications, including diabetes, obesity, and can make you more prone to strokes.

Ensuring that you are getting the correct amount of sleep each night is crucial for your overall health and well-being.

Keep reading: How does sleep affect your mental health?

How to stop oversleeping: Our expert tips

If you want to get your sleep schedule back on a healthy track, here are some tips for how to stop oversleeping.

See a health professional

If you believe your oversleeping stems from a health issue, your first step should be addressing the source with a healthcare professional. Whether you see a psychiatrist, sleep specialist, or a primary care physician, obtaining a diagnosis, medicine, or other treatments can help you sleep a healthy amount each night.

Establish (and stick to) a regular sleep schedule

Consistent sleep schedules will vary from person to person depending on their specific needs and daily routines but getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is the goal. The gist of it is to try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Your body will become accustomed to these times and you will have an easier time falling asleep and waking up at the appropriate times. 

Create a relaxing sleep environment

To limit sleep disturbances throughout the night and get a full night’s rest, make sure your bedroom is a calming environment for sleep. 

• Keep the room cool by turning on a ceiling fan or lowering your thermostat to about 66-69 degrees.
• Have soft and comfortable bedding and a quality pillow suitable for your sleep position.
• Limit as much excess noise and light as possible with an eye mask, a noise machine, or blackout curtains.
• If you are a hot sleeper, invest in mattress cooling technology to keep you cool and comfortable

Practice healthy habits

Eating a healthy diet, limiting excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day will keep your body and brain in top shape which aids in establishing healthy sleep habits. Working out allows your brain to release endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to relax and fall asleep at night. These hormones also reduce stress which can cut out any tossing and turning throughout the night, allowing you to get the deep sleep your body needs. 

Find a mattress that is right for you

Your mattress could be the reason that you are oversleeping consistently. If your mattress is low-quality or is simply not addressing your needs, your sleep quality is likely suffering, resulting in tossing and turning all night or making it difficult to obtain that deep sleep. If you don’t sleep well throughout the night, your body is trying to make up for it by making you sleep longer. Investing in a top-quality mattress that meets your needs is the best way to get the rest your body and brain need to be healthy.

Luckily, we can help with this step.

Get Quality Sleep Every Night with Texas Mattress Makers

So, is oversleeping bad? Yes, oversleeping can have negative effects on your health and can be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed. While seeking professional help should be a priority, you also need to have a quality mattress to get quality sleep every night. Think of your mattress as the foundation of your sleep: if your foundation is weak, your sleep quality will be weak and you will be more susceptible to less and excessive sleep.

Deciding when to get a new mattress is not always easy for some people, but Texas Mattress Makers makes the shopping experience simple and stress-free. After learning about your preferences and sleep habits, our experts let you try out mattresses that they believe are great options until you find your perfect match. 

Our locally manufactured mattresses are top-of-the-line in terms of quality and are sold for lower, factory-direct prices, so you don’t have to break the bank to get great sleep. If you’re searching for a mattress sale in Houston, we always have amazing deals you shouldn’t sleep on! 

When you’re ready, visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores to find your perfect mattress and put oversleeping to rest.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• What is the Relationship Between Sleep and Exercise?
• How Long Does it Take to Fall Asleep?
• Signs You Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep
• Tips for What To Do If You Can’t Fall Asleep
• How to Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule