Oversleeping may indicate health issues, experts warn

Many people know the effects of not getting enough sleep, but few consider the risks of oversleeping. Chelsea Handler recently shared her love for sleep, mentioning that she sometimes gets up to 14 hours of rest on weekends. However, experts warn that more than nine hours might be concerning. Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a sleep expert, said that oversleeping could indicate health issues. Conditions like sleep apnea or depression might lead to longer sleep durations. She noted that routinely getting too much sleep can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. While some may use extra sleep to recover from a busy week, Dr. Rohrscheib cautioned that this is not a long-term solution. Sleep debt can't be fully repaid simply by sleeping in on weekends. She emphasized the importance of aiming for the recommended seven to nine hours each night. To improve sleep quality, Dr. Rohrscheib recommends establishing a consistent sleep schedule, getting sunlight during the day, eating well, and exercising regularly. If sleep problems persist, consulting a doctor may be necessary. Overall, while sleep is essential, it’s best to find a balanced amount and avoid oversleeping.