Sleeping Too Much Increases Death Risk by 34%—Here’s the Ideal Amount of Sleep You Need

Getting the right amount of sleep is important for staying healthy, but did you know that sleeping too much can be just as harmful as not getting enough?

Research has found that sleeping more than nine hours a night can increase your risk of death by 34%. While sleep helps the body rest and recover, how much sleep you get is just as important for your overall health.

1. The Risks of Sleeping Too Much

Everyone knows that not getting enough sleep can cause problems like heart disease and high blood pressure, but recent studies show that sleeping too much is also risky.

According to a study published in Preventive Medicine, people who sleep more than nine hours a night have a higher chance of dying early, especially from heart-related issues.

This might happen because oversleeping can mess up your natural body rhythms, leading to problems like inflammation and less physical activity.

2. How Much Sleep is Ideal?

Experts recommend that adults sleep between seven and nine hours every night. Sleeping this amount has been linked to better heart health, stronger immune systems, and clearer thinking. Getting enough sleep helps improve both your physical and mental health.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to tiredness, poor focus, and stress, while sleeping too much can make you feel sluggish and unmotivated, which can also harm your health.

3. Sleep and Longevity

Many studies have looked at how sleep affects how long we live. A large study published in GeroScience found that people who sleep too little or too much have a higher risk of dying earlier and suffering from conditions like stroke.

Those who sleep less than seven hours or more than nine hours are more likely to face these risks than those who get the recommended amount of sleep.

4. Tips for Better Sleep

To stay healthy and avoid the risks of both too little and too much sleep, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule.

Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling rested.

It also helps to make your bedroom comfortable for sleep. Keeping it cool, dark, and quiet can help improve the quality of your sleep.