Is too much sleep a bad thing?

June 9, 8:06 PMDenver Weight Loss ExaminerTracey Keeley

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Studies of late have been telling us the ill effects of getting too little sleep, but turns out too much sleep could be a bad thing as well.  Three new studies support findings that those getting fewer than five hours or more than nine hours of sleep may be at risk for an array of health problems.

People who slept five or fewer hours per night were 24 percent more likely to develop diabetes according to one study.  More importantly, in the same study researchers found a 48 percent increase in developing diabetes of those who slept nine or more house per night.

According to ABC News Medical Contributor Dr. Marie Savard sleep is “probably the most powerful medicine we have, and the truth is not enough of us take it.”  She went on to add not getting the proper amount of sleep leads to health risks including diabetes, obesity, and up to increasing the risk of premature death.

So, what is it about getting too much sleep that is bad for us?  Researchers aren’t exactly sure.  According to Dr. Savard, too much sleep could be a red flag for other issues such as sleep apnea, being sick with something else, or maybe even taking too many medications. 

Data from a 2002 study with over a million American participants found the risk of dying increased in those who slept more that eight hours a night.   Researchers are reluctant to draw conclusions on this data because it is based off correlations – not necessarily cause and effect. People who sleep longer could have illnesses that cause fatigue and earlier death. Long nights of sleep could also be a symptom of certain lifestyle decisions.  Changes in those lifestyle habits can lead to better quality sleep, more energy, and a need for less sleep.

It’s hard to know what too do: too much or too little sleep?  Bottom line - aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep.  Feel like you need longer nights of sleep?  Napping may be a good substitution.  Cultures that incorporate naps into their lifestyles (2-3 naps a week at 20-30 minutes each) have reduced risk of heart disease.