Doctors often warn us about the adverse effects of getting little sleep —and for valid reasons. Your body tends to function below its optimal range of use when it does not get adequate rest. However, on the other end of the spectrum, recent studies have also indicated that getting too much rest is bad for your health.
Yes. Sleeping too much is bad for your body’s optimal performance.
While it may sound like something written out of a fiction tale, recent studies into this phenomenon have proven this fact. Oversleeping has been linked to many medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and a general increase in the risk of death. Unsurprisingly, depression and low socioeconomic status are also factors that may lead to oversleeping, as people with low socioeconomic status, for instance, may not be able to access adequate healthcare systems, leading to more undiagnosed medical problems.
How Much Sleep is Too Much?
The first thing to note is that the amount of sleep any individual needs varies throughout their lifetime. The amount of sleep also heavily depends on one’s age, activity level, and a host of other factors.
However, any individual should sleep eight hours, although recent studies and reviews from the National Sleep Foundation have broadened the range of optimal hours of sleep. These experts have noted that anywhere between seven to nine hours is normal and healthy for most adults between 18 and 64.
As mentioned earlier, the ‘right’ amount of sleep varies for each individual. However, sleeping nine hours or more has been considered excessive for adults. Individuals who sleep nine hours or more consistently need to see a doctor to ensure no underlying medical conditions are attached to those sleeping patterns.
Furthermore, studies indicate that daytime naps that extend beyond thirty minutes increase an individual’s risk of developing an irregular heartbeat. For example, according to studies and research that were presented at the recent meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Malaga, Spain has noted that people who tend to nap around 30 minutes or more a day have a 90% higher risk of developing a heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation (A-fib) than those who take shorter naps.
Effects of Sleeping Too Much
There are many adverse effects of sleeping too much. These include:
● Cognitive impairment;
● Increased risk of heart disease;
● Increased risk of stroke;
● Increased risk of obesity and diabetes;
● Impairment of fertility etc.
Conclusion
Any health-conscious individual understands that balance and moderation are critical in ensuring the body’s optimal performance. Therefore, it is essential to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and maintain overall wellness, as these factors aid in allowing your body to get the required amount of rest.
