3 Reasons Oversleeping May Harm Your lifestyle
Have you ever felt like a train-wreck after sleeping too many hours? Oversleeping is a guilty pleasure with some unintended and harmful consequences. Simply put, too much sleep may harm your lifestyle. That said, it is also important to remember that oversleeping is NEVER as harmful as under sleeping.
Oversleeping messes with our biological clocks (circadian rhythms) which may result in behavior changes, physical pain, and changes to our general health. Throwing off your internal clock by sleeping longer than needed will make you feel lethargic, fatigued and drowsy! How’s that for a counter effective habit?
Oversleeping May Cause Headaches
If you are prone to headaches, sleeping longer hours may cause head pain. Oversleeping may affect certain neurotransmitters, including the brain’s serotonin. For some people prone to headaches, this may be a big deal; and resting on neck muscles while lying in bed may make the headache worst.
Oversleeping May Increase The Risk of Diabetes
A study conducted in the US of nearly 10,000 people found a correlation between oversleeping and diabetes (not to mention that the more hours your sleep, the less active you are during the day). The research found that individuals who sleep more than 9 hours a day had a 50% higher risk of developing diabetes. While the research did not draw any affirmative conclusions – we do know that individuals with abnormal blood sugar levels and/or diabetes will experience excessive drowsiness and fatigue throughout their day – which may lead to oversleeping.
Oversleeping May Increase The Risk of Obesity
It’s a simple fact – if you accustom your body to oversleeping 10 hours a day, you will burn less calories. Individuals who sleep over 9 hours each day are 20% more likely to become obese across a 6 year period. Interestingly enough, this statistic holds true even if the person exercises on a regular basis.
4 Easy-To-Follow Tips To Avoid Oversleeping
- University of Georgia researchers found that individuals who exercise on a regular basis could increase energy by 20% while decreasing fatigue by as much as 65%.
- Have something exciting to get up for. It is much easier to get out of bed when you know something exciting awaits; such as trying a new teeth whitening recipe, yoga, or tasting a new flavor coffee/tea.
- Adjust your sleep habits so that you fall asleep and awaken around the same time during most day.
- Place your alarm clock further away from the bed. You will actually have to “get up” to turn it off.
Are you sleeping too much? Remember that oversleeping can have negative side effects. In order to stay sound, it is critical that we maintain a proper level of sleep; around 8 hours for active adults.
About the Author
Carlos Alvarez is a holistic lifestyle blogger and a dedicated gym goer. Carlos enjoys topics ranging from holistic lifestyle to healthy regimens. Carlos counts calories and exercises on a regular basis.
Julia Groves
April 27, 2016I wish I had the problem of oversleeping. Right now I am constantly fighting the effects of UNDER sleeping thanks to 3 kids under 6, two of which had night terrors.
View Commentbrianna george
April 26, 2016another reason to get up earlier! Dagnabit! 😉
View CommentTescha
April 26, 2016I have lately had trouble sleeping on time. When i do eventually fall asleep I cant or dont want to get up. I really have to get in the routine of getting 8 hours of sleep a day. Thanks for sharing this important information
View CommentTravel Pockets (Crystal)
April 26, 2016Had no idea sleeping could cause diabetes! I don’t think I have to worry about this problem tho as I don’t get ENOUGH sleep! I need to sleep a little more 🙂
View CommentSherry
April 26, 2016There’s no danger of me oversleeping while I’m at home. When I travel, I do put the alarm clock far enough away from the bed that I forced to get up and turn it off.
View CommentRoxy
April 26, 2016I love sleep so much. I often feel like I don’t sleep enough. I always try to play catch up on weekends. I swear no matter how much sleep I get, I’m always up for a midday nap!
View CommentBella B (xoxoBella)
April 26, 2016Interesting information, and it all makes sense. I am a morning person and really can’t sleep in much even if I want to. My brother on the other hand….he can sleep until 2pm without any trouble.
View CommentLaura H
April 26, 2016It’s funny because people always say that more sleep is good for you but not many people know these possible negative effects! This makes me feel better about sleeping really late 😉
View CommentNat Jones
April 26, 2016I never knew this! But at the moment with two little ones I think undersleep is my problem!
View CommentGilbert Mutange
April 26, 2016Am on my way to being obese. How I love my sleep. This is quite good for me. I’ll be following this advice keenly. God help me.
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