How Much Is Too Much of a Good Thing? (Sleep)
We often think of sleep in terms of minutes or hours, instead of considering its quality. As the weekend approaches, and the amount of work days dwindle, getting more sleep is usually the first thing on our mind. You may have caught yourself saying things like, “I finally get to catch up on some sleep,” or maybe more perhaps, “I may sleep the day away!” Most of us are highly aware or have experienced the dangerous side-effects of not getting enough shut-eye. However, studies find that getting too much sleep can have similar effects and even be hazardous to your health. So the question is, “How much is too much of this good thing we call sleep?”
There is no “magic number” to put on the duration of a fair nights sleep, however research has shown the body needs approximately 6-8 hours each sleep shift. On the nights some find it necessary to “catch up on sleep” for 9+hours, they may feel exhausted upon awakening. There is the great possibility of waking up feeling foggy, and worse off than running off of 6 hours if sleep. This terrible condition that has us running for the nearest coffee shop is also know as sleep drunkenness. It plays a trick on the mind that has one hovering between a state of slumber and being awake. Not only can too much sleep hold you back from reaching full production potential throughout the day, but it can also impair attention, alertness, concentration, problem solving, and include serious health risks.
If you are among the many Americans in today’s society that can “sleep the day away”, you may want to pay close attention before hitting that snooze button again. Sleeping in every so often does not present serious health risks, however, habitually oversleeping could potentially be a factor in an underlying health problem that you may be unaware of. Over 18 million Americans have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, low thyroid, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and hypersomnia. These may be factors that contribute to your daily drowsiness and low energy levels, and is important that you seek immediate professional care if you feel that any of these may pertain to you.
A good night’s rest is vital to your well-being based on the countless negative side-effects it can potentially have on your health. Regardless of the cause of your sleep habits, there are a few things that will help you reap the benefits of achieving your slumber potential, such as: Creating a sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time, exercise, and making your bedroom a space that invites a pleasant night’s rest, starting with finding the right mattes that will provide the comfort you need. At Mattresses For Less you can choose from their endless selection of premium mattresses, and let your body and mind understand what quality sleep feels like again!