The Truth About Oversleeping

We’ve all heard that getting enough sleep is key to good health — but too much of a good thing can sometimes backfire. While a solid night’s rest is essential for your body and mind, regularly sleeping for more than nine hours could be a sign that something’s off.

Most healthy adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.¹ If you’re consistently clocking more than that and still feel groggy or foggy during the day, oversleeping — or “long sleeping” — might be to blame. Research links excessive sleep with several health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, headaches, and even an increased risk of dying from a medical condition.²

Why People Sleep Too Much

Sometimes oversleeping is simply your body’s way of catching up on missed rest — what’s known as “sleep debt.” But if it happens regularly, it could signal something deeper.

Common causes include^1–3:

• Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, which interrupt your sleep cycles and leave you tired even after long nights in bed.
• Chronic pain or other medical conditions that interfere with restful sleep.
• Idiopathic hypersomnia, a condition that causes extreme sleepiness without a known cause.
• Lifestyle factors, such as irregular sleep schedules, lack of physical activity, excess alcohol use, or spending too much time in bed.
• Certain medications and substances, including sedatives, antihistamines, and alcohol, which can make you feel drowsy and lead to longer sleep durations.

Even if you’re in bed for eight or nine hours, poor sleep quality can leave you feeling tired. In that case, your body may crave more sleep to make up for what it’s missing.

A Closer Look at Obstructive Sleep Apnea

One of the most common causes of oversleeping and daytime fatigue is obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder causes your airway to collapse or become blocked during sleep, leading to repeated pauses in breathing.⁴ These interruptions prevent you from reaching deep, restorative stages of sleep — even if you’ve been in bed for hours.

Typical signs include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and feeling unrefreshed in the morning.⁴ The good news? Once diagnosed through a sleep study, sleep apnea can be treated effectively, helping you reclaim your energy and focus.⁴

Health Risks of Too Much Sleep

Just like too little sleep, oversleeping can take a toll on your body. Studies show links between long sleep durations and obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and chronic inflammation.² Oversleeping may also throw off your metabolism and disrupt your body’s natural rhythm, leaving you sluggish during the day and wide awake at night.²

Finding Your Sleep Sweet Spot

The best approach is balance and consistency. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and try to keep a regular sleep schedule — even on weekends.¹ Notice how you feel during the day: if you’re well-rested, alert, and energetic, you’re likely getting the right amount for you.

But if you’re sleeping long hours and still waking up tired, don’t ignore it. It might be your body’s way of signalling a deeper issue.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, or fatigue despite long nights of rest, speak with your GP or a sleep specialist. They can help identify any underlying conditions and, if necessary, refer you for a sleep study to get answers.

The Bottom Line

Sleep is essential — but more isn’t always better. Quality rest, not endless hours, is what truly restores your body and mind. If you’re constantly oversleeping or struggling to stay awake during the day, talk to your doctor. Addressing the root cause can help you enjoy better sleep, better energy, and a healthier life overall.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Oversleeping: Bad for Your Health?” John Hopkins Medicine, 2019. www.hopkinsmedicine.org
2. Meadows, Austin. “Causes and Effects of Oversleeping.” Sleep Foundation, 10 June 2021. www.sleepfoundation.org
3. Marcin, Ashley. “How Much Sleep Is Too Much Sleep? What to Know about Oversleeping.” Healthline, 9 Dec 2016. www.healthline.com
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025. www.hopkinsmedicine.org