Hypersomnia: what is, causes and health problems for sleeping too much

Dream is an essential biological function for our physical and mental well -being. While sleeping is little associated with numerous health problems, sleeping in excess can also have negative effects. It is considered that sleeping more than 9-10 hours on a regular basis can be harmful to some people, depending on factors such as age, lifestyle and health in general.

For the elaboration of this article we have the advice of the Dr. Concepción Gaspar Carrillo, specialist in clinical neurophysiology and responsible for the sleep unit of the Viamed Montecanal Hospitalto whom we appreciate your collaboration and valuable contribution.

In this article, we explore the risks of sleeping too much, the underlying causes and how to find the right balance for good health.

How many hours is it recommended to sleep according to age?

The necessary amount of sleep varies according to the stage of life. Sleeping within the recommended hours helps maintain a good functioning of the body and mind. These are the general guidelines according to age:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours a day.
• Babies (4-11 months): 12-15 hours a day.
• Young children (1-2 years): 11-14 hours a day.
• Children of preschool age (3-5 years): 10-13 hours a day.
• School age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours a day.
• Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours a day.
• Adults (18-64 years): 7-9 hours a day.
• Older adults (65 years or more): 7-8 hours a day.

Although these figures are orientative, each person is different and may require more or less hours of sleep depending on their health status, level of physical activity and other factors.

What problems can cause sleeping too much?

Sleeping more than recommended as usual can be related to a series of physical and mental health problems.

Associated health problems:

• Cardiovascular diseases: Several studies have found that sleeping more than 9-10 hours per night increases the risk of hypertension, chest angina and stroke.
• Diabetes: During sleep, the body regulates insulin production and sensitivity to it. Excess sleep, especially if it is associated with a bad quality rest, can alter this regulation, increasing the risk of glycemia disorders.
• Obesity: Sleeping too much can influence metabolism and hormonal levels, which could contribute to weight gain.

Impact on mood and cognition:

• MORTE AND IRRITABILITY: Sleeping more than necessary can alter the circadian rhythm and affect the chemistry of the brain, generating feelings of sadness or irritation.
• Concentration difficulties: Although sleep is essential for cognitive performance, sleeping too much can cause lethargy and affect memory and ability to make decisions.

These effects underline the importance of maintaining a balanced sleep routine to prevent long -term health problems.

What is hypersomnia and how does it affect the body?

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime drowsiness, even after having a repair dream during the night.

Hypersomnia types:

• Idiopathic hypersomnia: It does not have a known cause and can cause a constant need to sleep at any time of the day.
• Secondary hypersomnia: It is associated with medical conditions such as sleep apnea syndrome (SAHS), REM sleep disorders, restless legs syndrome or the use of certain medications.

Impact on daily life:

• People with hypersomnia can have difficulty staying awake during important activities such as working or driving.
• This disorder significantly affects the quality of life and the ability to perform daily tasks.

What are the possible causes of excess sleep?

Sleeping too much may be due to a variety of factors, including sleep disorders and underlying medical conditions.

Common causes:

1. Sleep disorders:
   • Sleep apnea syndrome (SAHS).
   • Sleep disorders REM.
   • Restless legs syndrome.
2. Use of medicines: Some medications can cause excessive drowsiness as a side effect.
3. Factors such as stress, sedentary lifestyle or chronic diseases.

It is essential to investigate the underlying causes through a detailed sleep study, such as polysomnography, to correctly diagnose these conditions.

Why is an early diagnosis important?

Both insomnia and hypersomnia can have a significant impact on the quality of life, daily activities and general health.

Early diagnosis benefits:

• Identify underlying disorders that affect sleep quality.
• Avoid complications related to health problems such as cardiovascular diseases or work and traffic accidents.
• Develop a personalized treatment plan to improve the patient’s rest and quality of life.

Going to a sleep specialist is key to detecting problems on time and preventing risks associated with excess sleep.

Sleeping too much can be as harmful as sleeping little, affecting both physical and mental health. It is important to identify the underlying causes and establish a healthy sleep routine to avoid associated problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mood disorders.

If you experience excessive sleepiness or difficulties in maintaining an adequate sleep routine, in Viamed we have specialists in sleep medicine that can help you recover your well -being. Do not hesitate to consult us.