Risks Of Oversleeping: When The Zzzs Are Too Much

Many people do not realize that oversleeping has many risks. Although getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night is recommended, there are associated dangers if you frequently sleep more than you need.

1. Increased risk for diabetes

Research from the Universite Laval in Canada showed that people who sleep too much increase their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In the study, 20 percent of those who slept over eight hours or under seven hours developed diabetes compared to only seven percent of those who had regular sleeping durations.

2. Increased risk for obesity

An article on Business Insider also presented a report that people who sleep longer than eight hours increase their risk for becoming obese by 21 percent.

3. Back pain

Studies also showed that the risks of oversleeping include developing back pain. Because you spend several hours assuming sleeping positions, your spine can be at risk by being put in certain positions that cause back pain. The natural curve of the spine may be compromised and it may be compressed much for hours.

4. Headache

WebMD notes that other risks of oversleeping also include headache. Oversleeping can have certain effects on neurotransmitters in your brain. Oversleeping can also affect proper blood circulation to your brain, resulting to headache, dizziness and migraine upon waking up.

5. Depression

Some people who suffer from depression tend to sleep longer than necessary. As a result, depression can worsen and lead to more psychological symptoms and even tendency to commit suicide. Sleep deprivation actually has some antidepressant properties.

6. Heart problems

Studies showed that women who overslept were 38 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease compared to those who slept an average of eight hours a night.

7. Death

Many studies also presented how oversleeping can lead to higher death rates compared to those who averaged seven to eight hours of rest per night. Depression and low socioeconomic status are known to be related to those who sleep longer.

If you tend to sleep longer than needed each night, it is time to make some changes to avoid the risks of oversleeping. Sleep is good, but ultimately, too much of anything can be bad.

For questions/comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at vdoctor@IBTIMES.com.au