Too much sleep can be a sign of an underlying health condition

It is true sleep is essential for overall health, but there is such a thing as too much sleep. If fatigue makes daily tasks feel difficult, it may be time to talk with your doctor. Fatigue can have underlying causes.

Too much sleep does not just refer to nighttime sleep. It also includes time spent in bed not sleeping, on the sofa napping or feeling tired, day or night. Interrupted sleep patterns and underlying health conditions are two primary reasons people may feel this overwhelming sense of fatigue.

Sleep better by establishing a bedtime routine

Nagamalar Raju, M.D., a sleep specialist at Piedmont, says a consistent bedtime routine can help reduce fatigue. Maintain it daily and stick with it even on weekends.

“This helps to regulate your body's clock and could help you fall asleep and stay asleep for the night,” she says. “Although sleep requirements differ over time and from person to person, typically we recommend adults sleep between seven and nine hours each night.”

To promote healthy sleep patterns, Dr. Raju recommends exercising routinely and avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening. She also encourages patients to assess how they feel on different amounts of sleep. Individual sleep needs can vary.

When to see a doctor about sleeping too much

Seek a physician’s advice if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:

• Do you need at least nine hours of quality ZZZs each night to feel rested?

• Do you have health issues, such as obesity or heart disease? Are you at risk for any diseases?

• Do you depend on caffeine to get you through the day?

• Do you feel sleepy while driving?

• Are you experiencing any other sleep problems?

Causes of excessive sleepiness

If you struggle with low energy and desire to stay in bed, Dr. Raju says health conditions may contribute; including:

• Sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is frequently interrupted, which negatively impacts your state of rest and repair. One telltale sign of sleep apnea is if you feel tired after a full night’s sleep.

• Anemia affects roughly 3.5 million Americans. It occurs when the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. This results in a lack of oxygen being carried throughout the body, draining energy.

• Hypothyroidism. Your thyroid controls the speed at which your body converts fuel into energy. When this gland is not functioning at peak performance, you may feel sluggish.

• Diabetes. People with diabetes and high blood sugar often feel fatigued. Glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of fueling the body's cells.

• Heart disease. When simple tasks become increasingly difficult, talk to your doctor about possible underlying heart disease. Fatigue can be a warning sign.

Getting too much sleep can be just as harmful to your health as getting too little sleep. It is important to figure out the root of the problem. A sleep specialist can help. 

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