Why Do I Love to Sleep So Much - Understanding Your Daily Sleep Habits Better

If you have found that you love to sleep a lot you may be wondering if this is normal. Let me tell you, you are certainly not alone in your desire to mull away the hours in the land of sleep. After all, we humans love a nap, and indeed, we need to nap, it is sort of a requirement to, y’know, live.

However, is there ever a point where you might love to sleep too much? Perhaps you are sleeping for more time than you are awake and you are worried that something might be wrong. Or perhaps you are finding yourself increasingly prone to sleeping in.

Whatever your reason for wondering why you seem to love to sleep so much, we are going to be answering your queries here. This is the perfect article for all self-confessed sleep-a-holics or anyone who is just trying to understand their sleep habits a little bit more.

Why do I love to sleep so much?

Some people just love to sleep. Oftentimes this is not a cause for concern, especially if they are sleeping a healthy amount and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. We need sleep to regain the energy that we have lost during the day, as well as to promote healthy cell growth and repair in our bodies. Without sleep, we can get very ill, both mentally and physically.

However, occasionally, the love for sleep may be a cause for concern, especially if you still feel very tired after a sleep, or if you are finding yourself sleeping for longer hours than usual.

For example, you may be experiencing an illness, physical issue, or mental health problem. Some of the main health issues that can cause a person to oversleep include sleep apnea, heart disease, issues with the thyroid glands, narcolepsy, diabetes, and depression.

As well as this, many people who take certain medications will feel the desire to sleep more often. You may suddenly begin to love sleeping after taking some new medication, and may not even equate the two.

For example, a medication that can make you drowsy such as painkillers, antihistamines, and certain antidepressants can make you sleep more often and for longer than usual.

If you find yourself wanting to sleep more than usual, or you feel that you love to sleep more than you used to, it may be worth asking your score for a checkup, even if you have not got any other symptoms.

Is it okay to sleep 12 hours a day?

That depends! It is recommended that adults get between 7-9 hours per day. However, adults with health issues may need slightly more. With this in mind, 12 hours does seem a little excessive for an adult, but it may be that you have had a particularly exhausting time lately, or have had disturbed sleep recently.

12 hours a day is a great amount of sleep for newborns, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. However, after preschool age, it is not likely that your child will need 12 hours every night!

Of course, it is worth bearing in mind that every person is different. Some people can be fine after just 6 hours of sleep, whereas grown adults sometimes need 10 or more hours. This is to be expected. As well as this, if you only sleep for 4 hours one night then it makes sense to sleep longer the next night!

If you are at all concerned about the amount of sleep you are having, or the sleep your loved one is having, you may want to book a doctor’s appointment just to be safe. Your doctor can also help to determine whether you are suffering from sleep addiction or hypersomnia.

Sleep addiction & hypersomnia

Sleep addiction is a real and growing problem. It is characterized by an overpowering urge to sleep.

A sleep addiction is a serious condition that can have a major impact on your health and well-being. While there is no one definitive way to diagnose a sleep addiction, there are a number of common symptoms that may indicate that you are suffering from this condition. These include difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, and feeling excessively tired during the day.

Feeling extremely tired during the day - and even after sleeping 10 hours or more - could also be a sign of hypersomnia.

Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep deprivation, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.

While it is not a life-threatening condition, hypersomnia can significantly impair quality of life. As such, it is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness on a regular basis.

A diagnosis of hypersomnia is typically made based on self-reported symptoms and a detailed sleep history. In some cases, additional testing may be required to rule out other potential causes of fatigue. If you think you may be suffering from hypersomnia, please don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for help. With treatment, people with sleep addiction or hypersomnia can learn to control their urge to sleep and lead normal, productive lives.

Just as there are treatments for drug and alcohol addiction, there are also methods to help those addicted to sleep. The first step is acknowledging that you have a problem. Many people who are addicted to sleep do not realize that they have a problem until it starts to interfere with their daily lives.

If you find yourself missing work or school because you slept through your alarm, or if you find yourself nodding off during the day, it may be time to seek help.

Once the cause has been identified, there are a number of treatment options available. One common treatment method is cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help change the way you think about sleep. There are also medications that can be used to help regulate sleep patterns. With treatment, it is possible to break the cycle of sleep addiction and get your life back on track.

Among the things you can do yourself in early stages is developing a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it - even on the weekend. And as for any sleep disorder it is best if you avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.

Is oversleeping a symptom of depression?

Oversleeping can be a sign of mental health issues such as depression. Many people with depression report wanting to sleep more often than usual as a concern.

Of course, it can go the other way, with many people reporting insomnia (this is the name of the condition of being unable to go to sleep) or somniphobia.

The excessive desire to stay in bed or clinomania often goes hand in hand with depression as depression can strip away people’s energy and make them feel achy and physically unwell.

As well as this, when you feel intensely sad or numb, as depression often does, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get up and out of bed, leading people to just sleep away the day.

Bear in mind that oversleeping alone may not be a sign of depression. Usually, there are other signs and symptoms that will indicate you have depression. These may change or vary between each person. Please reach out to a medical professional for help if you are experiencing any mental health issues such as depression.

How many hours is oversleeping?

If you find that you are oversleeping a little, you may well be wondering at what point is oversleeping too much oversleeping. the answer to this can be quite complex as it is very much dependent on the person.

For example, if you usually wake up at 7 am but on a weekend you sleep until 10am, this is generally not a cause for concern. However, if you find that you are sleeping way past 7 am for no apparent reason and physically not waking up until 10 am, then it may be a sign that you are unwell in some way. It is unlikely to be a serious issue, especially if it only happens occasionally. If it happens daily, though, and is very unlike you, it is best to see a doctor for some tests to rule out any health issues.

Ok, let's talk naps!

For most people, a quick nap during the day is a refreshing way to boost energy levels and improve productivity. However, napping for too long or at the wrong time of day can actually be counterproductive. According to sleep experts, the ideal naps should last between 20 and 30 minutes, and should be taken in the late afternoon. Napping for longer than 30 minutes can leave you feeling groggy, while napping during the morning or early afternoon can interfere with nighttime sleep. If you find yourself needing longer naps and that several times a  day, it may be a sign of an oversleeping disorder. If you think this may be the case, as always talk to your doctor about ways to improve your nighttime sleep habits.

It is also worth bearing in mind that as we get older, and as our health changes, our sleep needs will also change. As such, it may just be normal for you. You should get to know your body and the amount of sleep that you need. Keep track of any changes and seek medical advice if you are ever concerned.

All that sleep and still tired?

It's frustrating when you wake up after a full night's sleep and still feel tired. But before you assume you have a sleep disorder, take a look at your lifestyle and habits. Are you drinking too much caffeine? Eating unhealthy foods? Not getting enough exercise?

All of these factors can contribute to fatigue. Additionally, stress, anxiety, and depression can also lead to feelings of exhaustion. If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, try making some lifestyle changes. Cut back on caffeine, eat a balanced diet, and get some exercise every day. If you're still feeling tired, talk to your doctor to see if there could be an underlying medical condition causing your fatigue.