Most of the time, we discuss sleep deprivation effects, but don't spend enough time talking about the other side of it, which is sleeping too much. As much as it’s critical to get enough sleep, it's also essential to make sure you don't oversleep.
Why? Well, let's find out. Here’s a table of recommendations by the National Sleep Foundation of America on the amount of sleep you should get to suit your age.
Age Recommended Hours of Sleep (Daily)
0-3 months 14-17 hours
4-11 months 12-15 hours
1-2 Years 11-14 hours
3-5 Years 10-13 hours
6-13 Years 9-11 hours
14-17 Years 8-10 hours
18-25 Years 7-9 hours
26-64 Years 7-9 hours
Now you know how much sleep you need exactly. So, why is it essential to maintain that amount? Here's a list of harmful effects of oversleeping according to Healthline.com Depression
Anxiety
Memory Problems
Low Energy
Obesity
Headaches
Back Pain
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Increased Risk of Death
Sounds pretty serious, wouldn’t you agree? If you are one to hit the snooze button constantly, you might want to visit a doctor to see if you have any conditions such as; thyroid issues, depression, heart disease, sleep apnoea, narcolepsy which Healthline reports are oversleeping causes. Certain medications are also said to be one of the reasons behind oversleeping.
Additionally, Sleeping too much causes you to lose the precious time that you could have instead spent with your loved ones, or doing something that you enjoy and brings you true happiness. Here are a few simple tips to combat oversleeping.
1. Stick to a Schedule
Maintain consistency even on your sleep and make sure to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Plan each day, so you have good reasons for waking up.
2. Optimize Your Wake-Up Routine
Waking up is hard, especially on Mondays. We suggest you come up with some creative techniques that will make you want to wake up. One method recommended by HuffPost is to open your curtains wide to make sure your room is filled with as much sunlight as possible.
3. Make Good Lifestyle Habits
Exercise and a healthy diet are the keys to maintaining a good sleep cycle, according to Healthline.
Lastly, head over to your local Stheliers Pharmacy in Auckland to stock up on some good multi-vitamins and ensure you consume a healthy mix of veggies, fruits, legumes, poultry, seafood, nuts, and dairy products.
