5 Signs You May Be Sleeping Too Much
Is there such a thing as sleeping too much? For most people it is a constant struggle to be getting their full 8 hours without any interruptions, this could be from children, work, or not being able to shut off your mind.
It is well-known that sleep plays an important part in our overall health, so you need to make sure you’re getting enough of it. Doctors suggest seven to nine hours of sleep a night depending on the person.
But what if you are exceeding this amount, does this mean you are sleeping too much? Can you sleep too much?Getting too much sleep is just as bad as not getting enough.
Having to sleep more when you are tired from work is completely fine but if out of the blue you need to sleep for more than 10 hours every night, you might need to look at your sleep routine and sleep hygiene.
How Much Sleep is Too Much?
Anything over 9 hours is considered too much sleep, your body simply shouldn’t need more than this. Of course, some people are the exception, if you wake up feeling refreshed then you might just be a ‘long sleeper’ but if you wake up feeling groggy and lethargic then this is a sign you are sleeping too much.
Having no sleep routine can exacerbate this, if you are binge-watching TV and staying up till one, two or three in the morning and then sleeping into the afternoon, then you aren’t getting into a good, healthy routine for you to thrive in.
Here are 5 Signs That You May be Sleeping Too Much
Oversleeping may seem like something not to worry about and you may think you will just feel more energised or relaxed throughout the day. However, having too much sleep can leave you feeling tired and irritable, not wanting to face the day ahead. There are some signs to look out for, that you are going beyond just catching an extra hour or two here and there.
1. Experiencing Brain Fog
If you wake up feeling groggy, can’t put together a sentence and are a little forgetful, maybe even tripping over your feet, then you may be oversleeping. It is best to try and be healthy, drink water, try to boost your energy and shake the fog. When you oversleep, this interferes with your circadian rhythm, therefore you will wake up not feeling as refreshed as you are sleeping past the point of what your body needs.
We’ve all been there when we switch our alarms off and go back to sleep for an extra hour or two but you wake up feeling horrendous, that extra hour impacts the rest of your day and you can’t shake that horrible lethargic feeling in your head.
You need to put healthy practices in place to help combat this and leave you with a bit more energy to make it through the day and even have a good day.
2. Headaches During The Day
If you find that throughout the day your head starts to pound and you can’t shake a headache, this is also a tell-tale sign that you may be sleeping too much.
Headaches can be brought on for a whole host of reasons, you may not have drunk enough water, maybe you’ve spent too much time on your phone or you haven’t had enough sleep. But oversleeping is a massive cause of headaches as it interferes with the natural process of replenishing and nourishing your body as you sleep.
Your body has gone through its natural sleep cycle, to only see that you are still asleep. This interrupts and upsets the balance of your neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, resulting in a headache that you can’t shake.
You will need to try to take it easy, drink plenty of water and if you can, have a nice relaxing bath and an early night, to reset your sleep routine.
3. Feeling Lethargic
Have you ever slept in, expecting to feel refreshed and rested only to wake up feeling tired?
This could be because even though you woke up later in the day, your body can potentially start its energy cycle at your normal wake time several hours earlier. Because of this, you can wake up feeling more tired than you expected.
Try to find ways to boost your mood and energy, this could be through going on a nice walk to clear your mind or taking a moment of quiet for yourself.
4. Napping During The Day
Believe it or not, when you excessively sleep all your body wants to do is sleep more. It can be a vicious cycle to get out of. If you find yourself needing to take a nap to get through the day then you may be sleeping too much at night, look at your sleep hygiene, are you going to bed at a good time and limiting your time on devices? If not then it might be time to do so.
5. Changes in Your Response to Stress
When your body gets too little or too much sleep, this can interfere with how your mind functions. Sleep is meant to repair and restore your body, making you feel energised and ready for the day. If you are sleeping too much, you may find that you are struggling to deal with stressful situations, maybe you are feeling more overwhelmed and unable to think things through.
Sleep is wonderful but it can wreak havoc on your emotions if you have unhealthy sleeping patterns. Maybe try to relax before bed, switch your phone off, have a calming cup of tea and spray some lavender on your pillow.
Healthy Sleep Routine
Keep napping to a minimum, you want to feel tired at night, so you can fall asleep easily and stay asleep.
Maybe try a sunlight alarm. These are great if you wake up feeling groggy as they work by gently lighting up your room and waking you up gradually and naturally as if you were waking up with the sun.
It is essential to stick to a sleep schedule, especially if it takes a long time to fall asleep, or it’s difficult to wake up on time. Find out how much sleep works for you and stick to it and give yourself a bedtime and wake up in the morning at the same time, even on the weekends.
Everyone always talks about their struggles to fall asleep, but it is equally important to recognise if you have a problem with oversleeping. You can easily create a healthy routine by changing your lifestyle, and sleep habits, so you can enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.
Find moments of peace throughout the day and your evening to centre yourself and to relax. The simple yet amazing cup of tea can do this for you. It is a moment to collect your thoughts, be distraction free and focus on the simple task of enjoying your hot cup of tea and take a moment to yourself. The amazing art of drinking a cup of tea is a way to be at one with yourself and your mind, make this a part of your evening routine to forget about the day and focus on the present moment, relax your shoulders and feel the tension leave your body. Getting yourself into a good sleep routine is essential for your health. Take control of your mind and body, by cleaning up your sleep hygiene and being consistent.
