How too much sleep is just as bad as too little sleep

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.