Oversleeping Explained: What Scientists Say About Oversleeping and Human Health

Numerous social media posts and articles consistently emphasize that the human body requires more sleep. While it’s well-known that insufficient sleep harms the skin, sex life, and overall health, it may not always be necessary to reiterate this point. However, recent findings suggest that sleeping for more than nine hours may also be dangerous for human health. Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health, alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity. 

The physiological processes remain active during sleep, which helps in the proper functioning of the human body during the day. The Sleep Health Foundation recommends that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Sleeping less than seven hours has been linked to a range of harmful effects in most people. In the short term, a poor night’s sleep can leave one feeling anxious, lethargic, and unable to focus on work. In the future, a lack of quality sleep was considered a major risk factor for serious health issues. It will increase the risk of cancer and metabolic disorders, heart attacks, and strokes. 

A recent study examined the findings of 79 studies investigating the relationship between sleep duration and health outcomes. Participants were tracked for at least one year. They discovered that individuals who sleep less than seven hours per night have a 14% higher risk of death during the study period when compared to those who sleep seven to eight hours. The researchers also observed that those who sleep more than nine hours per night have a 34% higher risk of death compared to those sleeping seven to eight hours. 

It is essential to recognize that these studies identified an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. People with chronic illness often sleep longer due to underlying health conditions, medication side effects, or the body’s increased need for rest and recovery. People diagnosed with long-term health disorders generally sleep for extra hours. This is due to symptoms, adverse drug reactions, or the body’s increased need for rest and recovery. 

Physicians typically recommend that teenagers get 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, as their bodies are more active than those of adults. Individuals of all ages were encouraged to follow a regular sleep and wake schedule, get early sunlight exposure, and try to remain active during the day to promote better sleep quality. It’s also advised to avoid electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime and to create a peaceful, dark, and comfortable sleeping environment. The human body often signals when something is wrong. If someone consistently sleeps much longer than usual, it may indicate an underlying issue, and they should consider consulting a physician. 

Reference: Gupta C, Rigney G. Is sleeping a lot actually bad for your health? A sleep scientist explains. The Conversation. Published July 23, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. Is sleeping a lot actually bad for your health? A sleep scientist explains