Can you die from getting too much sleep?

As a sleep expert with a background in neuroscience and psychology, I can provide some insights into the relationship between sleep and health. While it's well-established that insufficient sleep can have negative health consequences, the question of whether too much sleep can be harmful is more nuanced. Sleep is a complex physiological process that is essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall health. However, the optimal amount of sleep can vary from person to person. For adults, the National Sleep Foundation recommends between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Sleeping more than this recommended range can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues rather than a direct cause of harm. Research has suggested that consistently sleeping more than nine hours a day could be associated with an increased risk of certain health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even a higher risk of death. A study conducted over a six-year period found that regular oversleeping could increase the risk of death by 44 percent. However, it's important to note that correlation does not imply causation. Oversleeping might be a symptom or a consequence of poor health, rather than the cause. In summary, while it's unlikely that simply sleeping too much will directly cause death, it can be indicative of health issues that do need to be addressed. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you're consistently sleeping more than the recommended amount and are concerned about your health.

Sleeping can kill! ... In addition to the regular taboos of drinking too much, smoking, eating poorly, and too much sitting, researchers have found that sleeping more than nine hours a day can have some pretty scary side effects. Over a six-year period, regular oversleeping meant a 44 percent increased risk of death.