Are you sleeping too much? Know the risks of sleeping too much
Are you sleeping too much? Know the risks of sleeping too much (Image courtesy: iStock)
One of the most worrying risks of oversleeping is its connection to cardiovascular problems. Several studies have suggested a link between sleeping more than 9 hours a night and an increased risk of heart disease. According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, people who sleep more are more likely to develop conditions such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. Excessive sleep may contribute to inflammation and the development of other risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure, all of which are known to affect the heart. cardiovascular health negative.
While sleep is a key factor in weight management, oversleeping can have the opposite effect. When you sleep too much, you find yourself less active during the day, leading to fewer calories burned and a higher likelihood of weight gain. A study in the journal Sleep found that people who sleep more than 9 hours a night have a higher risk of obesity over time. This may be due to decreased physical activity, a slower metabolism, and hormonal imbalances that affect appetite regulation.
Sleeping too much also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In a study published in Diabetes Care, researchers found that both insufficient and excessive sleep can impair glucose tolerance. The study suggests that sleeping more than 9 hours may impair the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, potentially leading to insulin resistance.
Getting enough sleep is important for mental health, but sleeping too much can have the opposite effect, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. According to a study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, people who regularly sleep more than 9 hours a night are more likely to have symptoms of depression. The reasons behind this are complex and may include disruptions in the balance of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood.
While adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, too much sleep has been linked to cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. A study published in Neurology found that people who consistently sleep more than 9 hours a night may have a higher risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments. Researchers suggest that excessive sleep may be linked to changes in brain structure and function, leading to a decline in mental abilities over time.