Is Excessive Sleep Detrimental to Health?

Big Think
Big Think
1y ago
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The article explores the potential negative effects of oversleeping on health. It discusses how sleeping more than the recommended amount can be associated with various health issues such as cognitive decline, increased risk of chronic diseases, and mental health problems. The piece also highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced sleep schedule for overall well-being.
Is Excessive Sleep Detrimental to Health?
A What happened
The article explores the potential negative effects of oversleeping on health. It discusses how sleeping more than the recommended amount can be associated with various health issues such as cognitive decline, increased risk of chronic diseases, and mental health problems. The piece also highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced sleep schedule for overall well-being.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Optimal Sleep Duration: The article emphasizes that the optimal amount of sleep varies by age, with adults typically needing 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

  • 2

    Health Risks of Over-Sleeping: Prolonged sleep, defined as more than 9 hours per night for adults, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

  • 3

    Quality vs. Quantity: The quality of sleep is as important as the quantity. Poor sleep quality, even if the duration is long, can lead to similar health issues as insufficient sleep.

  • 4

    Underlying Conditions: Excessive sleep could be a symptom of underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea, depression, or other sleep disorders that require medical attention.

Topics

Health & Medicine Mental Health