Table of contents:
- What is the connection between depression and sleeping too much?
- Why is sleeping too much unhealthy?
- 1. Diabetes
- 2. Obesity
- 3. Headache
- 4. Back pain
- 5. Depression
- 6. Death
Have you ever felt that you are sleeping more than usual? If so, it could be due to depression. Sleep disturbance and depression may seem like two different things, but they can both have triggers and symptoms in common. In fact, both of these conditions may be treated with the same treatment strategies.
What is the connection between depression and sleeping too much?
Sleep disturbance is one of the main signs of depression. When you are depressed, you may not be able to sleep, or you may get too much sleep.
For people suffering from excess sleep or hypersomnia, this is actually a medical disorder. In most depressed patients, sleep deprivation or insomnia is very common. Vice versa, insomniacs have a 10 times greater risk of developing depression than those who sleep well.
Depression makes you feel sad, hopeless, worthless, and helpless. Of course, everyone can feel sad or down from time to time, but when you feel sad for a long time and the feelings become intense, depressed moods and the resulting physical symptoms can prevent you from living a normal life.
Other symptoms of depression include:
- feeling very sad or empty
- feel hopeless, worthless, or guilty
- feeling very tired and sluggish, or anxious and irritable
- lose enjoyment of many things that were previously pleasurable
- lack of energy
- it is difficult to concentrate, think, or make decisions
- changes in appetite which can lead to weight changes
- reduced or increased need for sleep
If you experience the above symptoms for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Why is sleeping too much unhealthy?
Of course, not everyone who sleeps too much is depressed. Other possible causes of excess sleep include the use of certain substances, such as alcohol and some prescription drugs. Besides that, there are also people who just want to sleep a long time. However, if used, too much sleep can trigger the following health risks:
1. Diabetes
People who sleep too much or don't sleep are more at risk of developing diabetes.
2. Obesity
Gaining weight can be the result of excess sleep. A study on the link between sleep and obesity showed that people who slept for 9 or 10 hours each night were 21% more likely to be obese over a six year period, compared to people who slept for 7-8 hours a night.
3. Headache
You may think that sleeping can cure your headaches. But it turns out that in some people, sleeping longer on weekends or holidays can cause headaches. Too much sleep can affect chemicals in the brain that can cause headaches in the morning.
4. Back pain
In ancient times, people with back pain were often asked to get more rest. However, modern knowledge proves that these ancient solutions are wrong and can even make your condition worse. Regular exercise is necessary to maintain flexibility. If you suffer from back pain, consult your doctor. He or she may recommend that you get less sleep than usual, if possible.
5. Depression
Although insomnia is more commonly associated with depression than excess sleep, about 15% of people with depression sleep too much. This in turn will make their depression worse, as regular sleep habits are essential for the recovery process.
6. Death
Several studies have found that people who slept 9 or more hours a night had significantly higher mortality rates than people who slept 7-8 hours a night. The specific reason for this correlation has not been determined, but the researchers found that depression and lower socioeconomic status were also associated with longer sleep. They speculate that these factors may be related to the increased mortality rates observed in people who sleep too much.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
