Risks of Sleeping More Than 10 Hours

Aug 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've noticed that I sleep more than 10 hours as soon as I go to bed. I feel like I'm sleeping too much, so I came to ask, what are the risks of sleeping more than 10 hours?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin

The main harms of sleeping more than 10 hours include the following points:

1. Metabolic disturbances: Prolonged sleep may alter the body's metabolic rhythm, affecting glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, thereby increasing the risk of diabetes.

2. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: Long-term oversleeping is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Excessive sleep may slow blood flow, increasing the likelihood of blood clots, which can trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

3. Obesity: Excessive sleep duration may reduce physical activity, leading to decreased energy expenditure and an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.

4. Impact on mental health: Prolonged sleep has been linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, potentially leading to low mood and poor mental condition.

5. Cognitive decline: Chronic excessive sleep may impair cognitive functions of the brain, including memory, attention, and judgment. Reduced brain cell activity is detrimental to thinking and memory.

6. Decreased sleep quality: Extended sleep duration does not necessarily equate to better sleep quality; instead, it may disrupt the sleep cycle and negatively affect deep sleep and overall sleep quality.

7. Physical weakness: Prolonged bed rest weakens the heart's ability to accelerate heartbeat and blood circulation during physical activity, potentially causing palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue upon waking and standing up.

Therefore, it is recommended that adults maintain 7–9 hours of sleep per night and establish regular sleep habits to ensure good health.