Oversleeping

Everything in moderation. Sleep included. Oversleeping can cause numerous problems, including headaches, and disrupt an otherwise normal sleep cycle. It may fool your body and throw your whole schedule out of whack. Oversleeping can be caused by exhaustion and it could also be a sign of depression. To avoid oversleeping, there are some simple measures you can take (outlined below). While it is important to get enough sleep, which many people have difficulty doing, it is also quite important not to get too much sleep. Oftentimes, those of us who don't sleep enough during the week will look forward to oversleeping on the weekend, but sleep is not a static good. It's not something we can stock up on on one day so that we can make it through a shortage on another. It is important to balance your sleep schedule and get anywhere from 6-10 hours of sleep each night, depending on your age and individual needs. Ten hours may seem like a lot, but keep in mind, that is usually the recommended amount of sleep for young teenagers and adolescents. For adults and young adults, 7 or 8 hours of sleep per night is more appropriate, and for mature and senior citizens, as little as 5 or 6 hours may suffice, though daytime naps frequently make up for these shorter amounts.

So when does a good night's sleep become too much sleep? While the amount of sleep every individual needs may vary from person to person, oversleeping becomes a problem when it starts harming your health, not necessarily in a permanent or evident way. If you feel lethargic throughout the day or overly tired after a night's sleep, it could be that you're getting too much sleep. Also, headaches, gloominess, and stiff muscles could also be signs of oversleeping. Some effects of oversleeping might be indirect effects, coming as a result of dehydration, for instance, and can be solved as easily as by drinking a glass of water before bed. For this and other quick tips on how not to oversleep, keep reading below.

Some major side effects linked with oversleeping are diabetes, obesity and heart disease. If you oversleep from time to time, you don't need to panic and see a doctor right away, as causation hasn't been proven in these cases. And, importantly, depression and low socioeconomic status are correlated with oversleeping as well, which could be part of the cause of these side effects. You could also suffer from a medical disorder called hypersomnia, which causes extreme sleepiness throughout the day and causes people to sleep for long periods of time at night. Sleep apnea can also be a cause, disrupting your sleep cycle and requiring you to sleep more.

Some other side effects of getting too much sleep can include headaches, back pain, and depression. Headaches are believed to be caused by the effect that oversleeping has on certain neurotransmitters in the brain. With depression, sleeping too much can worsen depression and cause a terrible catch 22. Interestingly enough, sleep deprivation can sometimes be a treatment for depression. While I wouldn't recommend depriving yourself of sleep, I would try to stay as close to normal recommended amounts of sleep. Read below for tips on how not to oversleep.

Now that we've established that oversleeping can be a problem, let's talk about what we can do to avoid getting too much sleep and keep it just right.

For one thing, cutting back on alcohol, prescription medications, and other drugs can be an effective first step. Eliminating their use altogether will go even further in ensuring you don't sleep too much.

Your oversleeping habits may be caused by some underlying medical condition. To be sure, check with a physician or specialist. Having this condition treated will allow you to return to normal habits instead of sleeping too much on a regular basis.

Develop a sleep schedule and stick to it. A more regular and consistent sleeping pattern on a day to day basis will help you overcome sleep irregularities like oversleeping and insomnia. Maintain the same sleep times and wake times as much as you can, including on the weekend.

Experts say to avoid alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime. This will ensure you fall asleep close to that time, rather than laying awake in bed for hours. Also a great way to keep to your sleep schedule and avoid oversleeping.

Exercise regularly and stay active. Studies have shown that regular activity and an active lifestyle lead to better sleep health. On days you work out, your likely to have a fuller, deeper and more recuperative sleep. Exercising earlier in the day is recommended.

Get rid of bedtime distractions. Clear away things like your laptop and phone from your bedroom, and make it a comfortable and peaceful environment conducive to sleep. This will allow your mind to relax and get you the sleep you need, preventing oversleep and keeping your schedule consistent.

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