Is it possible to sleep to much?

Who gets too much sleep? Everyone I know gets too little. Even most children get too little sleep. Is too much sleep even possible? You might wonder that if you sleep 9 or 10 hours a night instead of the usual ideal of 7 to 8 hours. There are certain medical conditions like depression and heart disease that will cause you to sleep more. In addition, just as there are those who are exceptions to the rule and do well with 4 hours of sleep each night, other must have 11 or 12 hours to feel rested. Researchers think genetics play a role in the exceptional sleepers. For most, oversleeping is a habit and if it matters, you can correct it.

Consider the person who needs another hour or two each day to achieve a goal. They want to start an exercise regimen or need study time for a class they want to take. Going to bed earlier may not be an option. The only choice is get up earlier with 7 ½ or 8 hours of sleep. When you are used to 9 hours every night, it takes some time to retrain yourself. Try these tips for a month to establish a more productive routine.

1. Set your alarm for the same time each day, even weekends, for 7 ½ to 8 hours of sleep. If alarms do not wake you, ask a family member to help wake you at the scheduled time.
2. Plan your day the night before so you wake with definite goals to achieve.
3. If you are a coffee drinker, get a coffee pot with a timer you can set to start just before your alarm sounds. You will associate the aroma with wakefulness. Do not consume caffeine late in the day however, because it causes grogginess in the morning.
4. Do not lounge away your extra hour, get moving. Follow a regular morning routine of breakfast and dressing, without rushing but purposefully.
5. Get out and moving about your day as quickly as possible. Drink water to stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent sleepiness.

You may sleep 9 hours every night, wake up without the assistance of an alarm and feel great. Add a good memory foam mattress to your routine for an even deeper night sleep.  Do not let anyone cause you to feel guilty. As long you are meeting your commitments and you are happy and healthy, then you are blessed.

This website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Live & Sleep is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this website. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.