Why Too Much Sleep Is Bad for Your Health

It’s a known fact that a lack of sleep can really damage your health. However, too much sleep leads to no less negative consequences for your health.

5-Minute Crafts would like to tell you about the consequences that too much sleep can lead to, and what you should do if you can’t get enough sleep within 7 to 8 hours.

Risk of cardiovascular disease

British scientists analyzed studies that found the relationship between duration and quality of sleep and the risks of cardiovascular disease. Scientists reviewed data from 74 studies, which involved more than 3 million people.

As a result, it was found that a sleep duration of more than 8 hours was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the risks increased depending on growth in the duration of sleep. The scientists also concluded that, contrary to popular belief, sleeping longer than 7-8 hours is riskier than sleeping less than 7 hours.

Weight gain

There are many studies showing that lack of sleep can lead to obesity. But as it turns out, there is also a connection between too much sleep and weight gain.

American scientists analyzed the results of the national health survey in the US. The study examined data on approximately 56,000 people aged 18 to 85 years. In addition to sleep, scientists analyzed data on the region of birth, income, bad habits, and many other factors. However, it was the data on the duration of sleep that was most often directly connected with excess weight.

Low productivity

In a 2018 study, scientists analyzed data on productivity loss associated with sleep duration. More than 1,000 people from 22 to 60 years old took part in it. Work productivity was also assessed in relation to parameters such as health, financial stress, problems at work, and so on.

Analyzing the issue of sleep duration, scientists divided this criterion into several categories: very short (less than 4 hours), short (5 to 6 hours), normal (from 7 to 8 hours), and long (from 9 hours).

Along with a large number of conclusions for each assessed parameter, scientists found that both lack of sleep and its excess lower productivity. The researchers concluded that too much sleep decreases productivity by 24%.

What should you do

If you can’t get enough sleep in 7-8 hours and spend more time sleeping, then it’s worth thinking about changing your lifestyle.

There are many ways to put your sleep routine in order.

• Set a sleep schedule. Setting certain bedtime and wake-up times, including weekends and holidays, can help normalize sleep.
• Regular exercising no later than 2 hours before bed will help you fall asleep easier.
• A healthy diet also has a positive effect on sleep hygiene. You shouldn’t eat a lot before bedtime, but a healthy snack will help you fall asleep faster.
• Limiting the amount of caffeine improves sleep. The caffeine intake should be no more than 2 servings per day.
• The bedroom is for sleeping only. The bedroom should not be associated with anything active, which is why sleep experts don’t recommend using gadgets in bed. Also, don’t watch TV or eat in bed. The bedroom should be dark and quiet and associated only with sleep.