Health Risks Of Oversleeping: 5 Harmful Side Effects of Excessive Sleeping

Most people know that lack of sleep causes many health risks. However, not too many people know that oversleeping can also cause several health risks. Being aware of the side effects of excessive sleeping can prevent the development of different health conditions.

"More evidence is showing that spending an excess amount of time in bed is also linked with health hazards," Huffington Post shared. 

The recommended amount of sleep for an adult is seven to nine hours a night. Anything more than that is oversleeping. Here are five harmful side effects of excessive sleeping:

Wake Up Call: The Downside of #Oversleeping. Details: https://t.co/iwSvAyQQ9Z #MondayMorningBlues pic.twitter.com/mCbxdgi0r5

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1. Effects On Brain Function

One of the worst side effects of excessive sleeping is cognitive impairments. Some studies have shown that oversleeping can also cause memory problems, dementia, depression and insomnia.

2. Effects On Inflammation

Oversleeping can increase the body's levels of cytokines. This can result in different health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

3. Effects On Body Pain

Adequate sleep is necessary to alleviate pain. However, excessive sleeping can make pain worse. Oversleeping can worsen back pain and cause headaches.

4. Effects On Fertility

"Study authors suggest sleep outside the normal range could be affecting hormones and circadian cycles, impairing fertility," Huffington Post explained. The studies also show that women who sleep seven to nine hours of sleep have the best chance to conceive.

5. Effects On Body Weight

One of the most common side effects of excessive sleeping is weight gain. Both lack of sleep and oversleeping can cause obesity.

"One recent study showed that people who slept for nine or 10 hours every night were 21% more likely to become obese over a six-year period," WebMD shared. This is compared to people in the same period who have seven to eight hours of sleep.