How Oversleeping Affects Us: Expert Shares 3 Key Points

While sleeping is crucial for your health, getting it just right is equally important. While the dangers of sleep deprivation are well-documented, there's a lesser-known villain lurking in the shadows: oversleeping. In this article, we will understand the side effects of oversleeping, the common causes behind it, its impacts, and tips to manage oversleeping with our expert, Dr Archana Batra, a dietician and a certified diabetes educator.

Dr Batra said, “Sleep is a crucial component of our health. It repairs the mind and body and prepares you for the day ahead. However, oversleeping may lead to negative consequences. An adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep per night and sleeping more than this, is known as oversleeping, which can have adverse effects on physical and mental health.”

Common Causes Of Oversleeping

• Mental Health Issues: Certain mental health conditions like depression can cause excess fatigue and oversleeping.
• Medications: Medications like antidepressants or sedatives may cause drowsiness as a side effect.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and hypothyroidism, may disrupt sleep patterns.

Side Effects Of Oversleeping

• Reduced Physical Activity: “Oversleeping can make you feel tired all over the day. Not only this, but also lack of movement can lead to muscle stiffness and atrophy,” said Dr Batra.
• Poor Sleep Quality: “Oversleeping can be caused to difficulty in falling asleep at night,” she added.
• Mental Health Challenges: Dr Archana mentioned, “Oversleeping can generate the feeling of sadness and lack of motivation.”

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Psychosocial And Lifestyle Impacts

• Relationship Strains: “Excessive sleep can create disputes in relationships with friends and family,” Dr Batra pointed out.
• Professional Challenges: “Individuals who sleep more can miss the deadlines of their work and will concentrate less at work place,” she continued.

How To Manage Oversleeping?

• Improve Sleep Schedule: Adhering to a strict sleep schedule on weekdays as well as weekends can help you avoid oversleeping.
• Stay Active: “Involve yourself in physical activities regularly as exercise promotes better sleep,” said Dr Batra.
• Limit Napping: “Take short naps only because excessive napping during daytime can disturb night-time sleep,” explained the expert.

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