Causes, Health Risks, and More

Causes, Health Risks, and More: Understanding Oversleeping

What is Oversleeping?

Oversleeping, also known as "long sleeping," is when you regularly sleep for more than 10 hours per day. While it may seem like a harmless habit, oversleeping can have serious health consequences and indicate an underlying health condition.

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Causes of Oversleeping

Oversleeping may be the result of catching up on lost hours of sleep during a short time period, known as sleep debt. For example, you may sleep for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period on the weekend because you stayed up late all week studying for a final exam.

Other causes of oversleeping include:

• Sleeping disorders: Certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia, can cause excessive daytime sleepiness and oversleeping.
• Medications and substances: Certain medications and substances, such as sedatives and antidepressants, can cause drowsiness and oversleeping.
• Head injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause hypersomnia, a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sleep disorders, can cause oversleeping.

Symptoms of Oversleeping

Symptoms of oversleeping may depend on the underlying cause and whether oversleeping is chronic or short-term. These may include:

• Feeling excessively tired and fatigued
• Difficulty waking up and feeling groggy
• Brain fogginess and memory problems
• Increased risk of health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and sleep apnea

Complications of Oversleeping

The complications associated with oversleeping depend on whether it’s short-term or chronic, as well as the underlying cause. Short-term oversleeping may cause temporary anxiety, fogginess, and low energy. However, regularly oversleeping may increase your risk of several health conditions, including:

• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression

Treatment for Oversleeping

Treatment for oversleeping will depend on the underlying cause. If an underlying health issue causes your oversleeping, treating the issue may help you start sleeping normally.

Some lifestyle changes and natural remedies that may help improve your sleep hygiene and regulate your sleep include:

• Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
• Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise during the day
• Not using electronic devices before bed
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and food before bed

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also help with oversleeping. This could be done with a licensed professional in person, online, or over the phone.

Medications for Oversleeping

Research suggests that medications are more effective at treating hypersomnia than at-home remedies and CBT. A first-line medication treatment for hypersomnia caused by sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, is modafinil (Provigil). This is a wake-promoting drug.

Other medications that may help treat oversleeping include:

• Pitolisant (Wakix)
• Solriamfetol (Sunosi)
• Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)

Conclusion

Oversleeping is a common problem that can have serious health consequences. If you’re regularly sleeping for more than 10 hours per day, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

FAQs

Q: Is it normal to sleep for 12 hours?
A: Sleeping for 12 hours is above the National Sleep Foundation’s recommendations for people ages 6 years and older. Speak with a healthcare professional if you regularly sleep 12 hours per day.

Q: Why am I sleeping too much?
A: You may be sleeping too much to recover from a period of intense physical activity or short sleep duration. Chronic oversleeping may be a sign of a sleeping condition or underlying health condition.

Q: What to do when oversleeping?
A: Some ways to help you get up and going after oversleeping include drinking water, doing yoga, eating food, splashing water in your face, and getting physical activity.

Q: Is oversleeping a sign of a serious health condition?
A: Yes, oversleeping can be a sign of a serious health condition, such as sleep apnea, idiopathic hypersomnia, diabetes, and stroke. If you’re regularly sleeping for more than 10 hours per day, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.