Most people know that too little sleep and poor sleep quality have a negative impact on health. But you shouldn’t sleep too much either, as this could have health consequences. But what exactly happens? We explain what 3 things happen when you sleep too much.
Reduced performance, poor concentration, headaches and a weakened immune system – many people are familiar with the health consequences of a lack of sleep. And that’s a good thing, because a high quality of sleep is essential for a healthy body. But what many people don’t know: it doesn’t look any better the other way around, in fact quite the opposite. Because if you sleep too much, you risk health consequences just like people with a lack of sleep. We explain in more detail what exactly happens to the body.
Table of Contents
These 3 things happen when you sleep too much
1. The risk of various diseases increases
Bad news for all late risers, because not only a lack of sleep promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases. According to studies, the risk of a heart attack and the like increases with both too much and too little sleep . Likewise, people who sleep more than 9 hours a night long-term increase the risk of other diseases such as type 2 diabetes or depression. According to studies , both long and short sleepers have a higher risk of dying earlier.
2. You’re more likely to gain weight
Being overweight is dangerous because it is considered a risk factor for various diseases – for example, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or what is known as fatty liver increases with increasing weight . It is well known that a lack of sleep can promote obesity. However, a Canadian study found that the opposite may also be true: subjects who slept more than nine hours a day were more likely to gain weight than those who slept a normal amount, despite eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise.
3. Brain power decreases
A restful sleep of nine to ten hours every night and we are already more rested and efficient in the office in the morning? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! Because too much sleep tends to have the opposite effect and, just like too little sleep, can have a negative impact on logical thinking. Neuroscientists at Western University’s Brain and Mind Institute have found that both too little and too much sleep can impair brain performance.
