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Top Reasons Why You’ve Been Sleeping a Lot Lately (And What To Do About It)

Posted on December 06 2022
h3>Is it normal to be sleeping so much?

It depends on your individual needs. Generally, adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Sleeping more than that could be a sign of an underlying medical condition or lifestyle issue and should not be ignored. It's best to speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

What can I do to reduce excessive sleeping?

Making lifestyle changes such as creating a sleep routine, avoiding caffeine, exercising regularly, and seeking help from your doctor are all ways to reduce excessive sleeping.

Is sleeping too much dangerous?

Yes, sleeping too much can be dangerous. Oversleeping can lead to headaches, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. It can also increase the risk of depression, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Summary

  • There are many potential causes for excessive sleep, such as depression, poor lifestyle choices, or an underlying medical disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Some common treatments include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy to address any psychological issues related to insomnia or fatigue, and treatment with a CPAP machine for specific conditions.
  • There are also some simple ways to improve your sleep quality and potentially reduce the amount of time you spend in bed. These include reducing alcohol, ensuring your bedroom is dark and quiet and establishing a regular sleep schedule.
  • Using a sleep app can be a great way to improve the quality of your sleep and help you feel more energized. Pzizz is an app that uses science-backed techniques to help you fall asleep at a push of a button.

Introduction

Sleep is essential to your health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy balance between being rested and active throughout the day is vital. However, it is also possible to oversleep, which can lead to physical problems such as fatigue, irritability, muscular pains, and headaches.

If you have been sleeping a lot lately or feeling sleepier than usual, several potential causes exist. Stress, depression, and certain medications can all lead to excessive sleeping. Also, poor sleep habits, such as not maintaining regular bedtimes or napping during the day, can cause you to oversleep.

However, among the causes of oversleeping can be several severe medical conditions-such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, thyroid problems, and depression. If you think you may be sleeping excessively, it's crucial to identify the root cause and undertake steps to address it.

In this article, we'll look at how much sleep you need and whether sleeping a lot can be bad for you. Then, we'll examine whether your sleep environment may make you sleepier than usual. Finally, we'll look at the medical conditions among the causes of oversleeping and what you can do to stop sleeping so much. Let's jump in!

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

The amount of sleep you need depends on your age; however, most adults should aim for 7–9 hours per night. Getting enough quality sleep helps to improve your concentration and focus as well as your overall physical health.

Poor sleeping habits, such as sleeping too late during the day or at irregular times, may lead to oversleeping. It's important to remember that even if you are sleeping for longer than the recommended hours, your sleep may still be of poor quality.

Is Sleeping a Lot Bad for You?

Yes, sleeping too much can be bad for you. Oversleeping has been linked to various health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, sleeping too much can lead to feelings of fatigue and lethargy during the day, which can have an impact on your productivity.

The danger with oversleeping is that many people do not connect it with problems like they do undersleep. However, sleeping a lot can still cause health problems and should be taken seriously.

Should You Be Worried if You've Been Sleeping a Lot Lately?

If you have been sleeping a lot lately, it is essential to identify the cause. There is no need to be unduly worried, as many sleeping problems can be addressed without medical intervention. In many cases, oversleeping can result from having a low-quality sleep or sleeping in a poor environment.

However, if you have identified that your sleeping environment and patterns are not contributing to the problem, it is important to consider other causes of oversleeping, such as medical conditions. If you suspect there may be an underlying condition causing your sleeping disorder, then it's best to seek professional advice from your doctor.

Ultimately, sleeping too much can lead to health problems, so it is essential to ensure you get the right amount of sleep for your age group. With some simple lifestyle changes and adjustments, sleeping a lot should no longer be an issue.

Poor Sleeping Environment Can Be the Cause of Oversleeping

If you are sleeping a lot and feeling sleepier than usual, it’s worth having a look at your sleeping environment. Are you sleeping in a comfortable bed? Is the room dark and quiet? You may also benefit from speaking to a sleep specialist who can help identify whether or not your sleeping habits need adjusting.

Some things you can do to improve your sleep environment include the following:

  • Adjusting the temperature of your sleeping environment to a comfortable level
  • Ensure your bedroom is free from distractions, such as TVs or gadgets
  • Using blackout curtains and earplugs to block out unwanted noises
  • Making sure your mattress and pillow provide the right amount of support for you

If your sleeping environment is not the reason for you sleeping too much, it could be a sign to look into other causes.

The Medical Conditions That Can Make You Sleepier Than Usual

Oversleeping can be caused by medical problems such as depression, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. It is crucial to speak with your doctor if you suspect that any of these conditions may be among the causes of oversleeping. Your doctor can advise on the best treatment for your sleeping disorder.

Some of these conditions include the following:

  • Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder affecting the brain's sleep and wakefulness regulation. The main symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, and visual hallucinations. People with narcolepsy often have "sleep attacks" — periods when they feel an irresistible urge to fall asleep.
  • Parasomnia: Parasomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by abnormal movements or behaviors during sleep. This can include sleepwalking, sleep talking, night terrors, and nightmares.
  • Depression: Depression can be a significant cause of sleeping too much, as it often leaves people feeling lethargic and exhausted throughout the day. It is important to seek professional help if you suffer from depression or other sleeping disorders.
  • Restless leg syndrome: Restless Leg Syndrome is a sleeping disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move one's legs. People with this condition often have difficulty sleeping, which can lead to sleeping more than usual to try and catch up on sleep.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes brief pauses in breathing while sleeping. This can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty sleeping at night, which can cause people to sleep longer than usual during the day.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disorder that causes extreme tiredness and exhaustion. People with CFS often feel too exhausted to do their everyday activities and may sleep for longer than usual in an attempt to try and catch up on rest.
  • Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition where the body's thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can lead to sleeping more than usual, as well as fatigue and weight gain.
  • Anemia: Anemia is a condition where the body does not produce enough red blood cells. This can cause fatigue and sleeping more than usual, as well as other symptoms such as pale skin and dizziness.
  • Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain, fatigue, and sleeping difficulties. People with fibromyalgia may sleep more than usual due to the fatigue and sleeping difficulties caused by this condition.
  • Circadian rhythm problems: Circadian rhythm problems can cause sleeping too much or at the wrong times. This is because your body's internal clock is thrown off, making it difficult to sleep and stay asleep.

If you feel sleepier than usual and find yourself sleeping excessively, you should consider speaking to your doctor about the potential causes. They will be able to help you manage any sleep disorders that could be causing you to oversleep. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and avoiding caffeine late at night can also help improve sleep quality and reduce too much sleep. Let's take a look at a few things that can help!

What You Can Do To Stop Sleeping So Much

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Avoid napping too much during the day, and try your best to stick to a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. While this might be a problem for shift workers or those with children, try to adjust your sleeping pattern as much as possible.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise keeps you healthy, can make you feel more energized, and help regulate your circadian rhythm. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day.

Avoid caffeine late at night: Caffeine can have a stimulating effect and should be avoided in the evening and late at night when you are trying to sleep.

Establish a relaxing bedtime routine: Before bed, establish a comfortable bedtime routine that works for you-this could include reading, listening to music, taking a hot bath, or meditating. Your routine might also include listening to specialized sleep apps such as Pzizz.

Avoid alcohol before bed: Drinking alcohol can have a sedative effect and make you sleepy, but it can also cause fragmented sleep.

Avoid looking at screens close to bedtime: The blue light emitted from electronic devices such as smartphones. Tablets can disturb your natural body clock and make it harder to fall asleep, so try to minimize screen time before bed.

Take a break: Regular intervals during the day can help reduce fatigue and make sleeping easier at night, so aim for at least 30 minutes of rest per day.

Reduce stress levels: Research has found that stressed people tend to sleep less and have difficulty staying asleep. Finding ways to reduce your stress levels can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Avoid eating late at night: Eating large meals close to bedtime can make it harder for you to fall asleep, so try to avoid eating late at night if possible.

Speak to your doctor: If you are still sleeping a lot lately and cannot find the cause, it is vital to speak to your doctor. They will be able to assess your symptoms and help you manage any underlying health conditions that may be causing excessive sleeping.

Medical Treatments if You're Sleeping Excessively

If lifestyle changes are not helping, your doctor may suggest medical treatments such as medication or therapy. These can help regulate your sleeping pattern and improve the quality of your sleep.

Some of these treatments may include the following:

  • Prescription medication: There are medications available that can help reset your body clock and regulate your sleep.
  • Light therapy: This is a treatment in which you are exposed to bright light for specific periods during the day to help improve your sleeping pattern.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that can help you change behaviors or thoughts that may be causing your sleeping problems.
  • Melatonin supplements: Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body that helps regulate sleep. Taking melatonin supplements can help reset your circadian rhythm and make it easier for you to fall asleep.
  • Vitamin D supplements: Your doctor may also suggest taking a vitamin D supplement if you have low levels of this vitamin in your blood. Vitamin D is essential for producing melatonin, which helps regulate your sleeping pattern.

It should be noted that the root cause of why you’re sleeping so much will determine what treatment is suitable. For example, if you are suffering from sleep apnea, medications may not be enough, and you may need to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Why Good Sleep Is Essential To Stop Oversleeping

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. A lack of good quality sleep can affect your performance at work or school, increase your risk for accidents and impair your concentration. Getting good quality sleep also helps to boost your mood and can reduce stress levels.

It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you are sleeping enough and that the quality of your sleep is good. Taking the time to make lifestyle changes can help you improve your sleep and reduce excessive sleeping. This will make you feel more energized and productive throughout the day.

It's important to remember that if you have been sleeping a lot lately, you should speak to your doctor for advice and an assessment of any underlying causes. With the right help, you can achieve better sleep and improved overall health.

The Importance of Falling Asleep Well

Getting enough sleep is only part of the battle – it's also essential to fall asleep well. As we've highlighted, creating an environment that encourages sleep can help you drift off quicker and improve the quality of your sleep.

One of the critical components of that sleep environment is sound. While some people prefer absolute silence, others might welcome soothing sounds. These can include sounds of nature, white noise, or calming music.

These solutions may sound simple, but they can make all the difference in sleeping well and reducing excessive sleeping. With a few minor adjustments, you'll be on your way to a better night's sleep and improved daytime energy.

Get Better Sleep With Pzizz

If you have trouble falling asleep or getting high-quality sleep that keeps you energized throughout the day, Pzizz may be the perfect solution for you. Pzizz is a revolutionary sleep app that helps lull you into a restful sleep gently yes effectively. We use scientifically proven techniques and combine soothing music, sound effects, and narration to create the personalized audio experiences we call dreamscapes. 

Over time, our app will begin to understand what kind of sounds you enjoy and get better and better at creating the perfect environment for falling asleep. That means you can enjoy feeling refreshed each morning and reduce excessive sleeping.

With Pzizz, you can start getting better sleep tonight! Download the app now and take advantage of the free trial. 

Our app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. You can find more information on what Pzizz offers throughout our website, including a detailed exploration of the scientifically backed psychoacoustic principles that guide what we do.

Conclusion

Sleeping too much can be a sign of underlying health issues and should not be ignored. Taking the time to assess why you're sleeping excessively can help you make lifestyle changes that will improve your sleep quality and reduce overall sleepiness.

Creating an environment that encourages better sleep is key, as is ensuring you get enough quality shut-eye each night. However, you should always remain aware of the medical side and speak to your doctor if you think something isn't right.

FAQs

Is it normal to be sleeping so much?

It depends on your individual needs. Generally, adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Sleeping more than that could be a sign of an underlying medical condition or lifestyle issue and should not be ignored. It's best to speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

What can I do to reduce excessive sleeping?

Making lifestyle changes such as creating a sleep routine, avoiding caffeine, exercising regularly, and seeking help from your doctor are all ways to reduce excessive sleeping.

Is sleeping too much dangerous?

Yes, sleeping too much can be dangerous. Oversleeping can lead to headaches, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. It can also increase the risk of depression, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

References

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/oversleeping

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/excessive-sleepiness/treatment

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-requirements

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/natural-tips-sleepiness

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/physical-side-effects-oversleeping

https://www.healthline.com/health/oversleeping