Sleeping for a long time on weekends is something many people like to do. Take a break from the busy week and start your day relaxed. However, long sleep does not always have to be healthy.
In this article, we look at the pros and cons of a long night’s sleep and possible health reasons to watch out for.
Why do we sleep?
Before we look at long sleep, it is important to look at why we need sleep. A good night’s sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. During our sleep, four things happen: your body restores its energy level, your muscles recover, your brain processes all the new information, and the most important bodily functions are maintained.When you don’t rest enough, your body can’t always perform these functions, which affects your body and mind during the day. It is then more difficult to concentrate properly, you have more difficulty regulating your emotions, and your reaction speed is a lot lower than usual.
As an adult, you need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Depending on your physical needs, this can be a little more or less. Children and adolescents need much more rest because their bodies and brains are still fully developing.
The benefits of long sleep
Sleeping for a long time is a nice feeling for many people, especially when you know that you don’t have to set an alarm clock after a long day of work, but can simply lie down. Moreover, you have the feeling that you can catch up on rest in this way, from all the days that you have slept too little before. So it has many advantages.1. Your body can recover
During your sleep, your body takes time to recover. Your muscles make new tissue, your brain stores memories and your organs relax to work properly the next day. A long night’s sleep ensures that these processes can take place in peace.
2. It’s good for your heart
Many heart problems are made worse by too little rest. That is why this organ must rest during the night. Especially in REM sleep, your heart gets the opportunity to recover. Longer sleep can therefore help to keep your heart healthy.
3. It helps against stress
We all know that stress can cause sleeping problems, but it also works the other way around. Too little sleep contributes to a higher level of stress. Sufficient sleep therefore also ensures that we are better able to deal with stress when we are awake.
Disadvantages of sleeping too long
Sleeping too long also has its drawbacks, so it is essential to find a good balance so that you get enough rest.
1. Your sleep quality decreases
People who sleep longer often have more trouble falling asleep and sleeping through the night. They wake up more often and feel less rested when they wake up.
2. You are more likely to be obese
When you sleep too long and too much, your body gets used to an inactive state, which means you burn fewer calories. If you continue to eat as much as before, you will gain more weight and increase the risk of obesity, research shows.
3. It Can Make Your Depression Worse
When you are depressed, you often suffer from sleeping problems. One cannot fall asleep, while the other just sleeps. Both can cause aggravated depressive symptoms because your body does not get enough rest.