Are you regularly finding yourself hitting the snooze button and oversleeping? Excessive sleeping is when individuals sleep for excessive durations, leading to daytime sleepiness and tiredness. In this blog, you can learn about the causes of oversleeping in women.
Causes of Oversleeping in Women
One of the main causes of oversleeping is hypersomnia. It refers to a condition characterized by excessive sleepiness in the daytime. Women may experience this extreme sleepiness, which can significantly impact their daily lives.
1.Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Women with idiopathic hypersomnia may find it challenging to wake up in the morning and remain drowsy throughout the day, regardless of the amount of rest they receive.
The symptoms of hypersomnia are listed below
- Feeling tired all the time
- Difficult to make decisions
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Hallucinations
- Distraction while driving
2.Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal changes, particularly during menstruation and pregnancy can contribute to oversleeping in women. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness.
3.Poor Sleep Habits
Inadequate sleep hygiene practices are irregular sleep schedules. An extreme use of TV, mobile, and computers before bedtime can disrupt the quality and quantity of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the appropriate sleep during for newborns and older adults are given below.
| Newborns | 14 to 17 hours |
| Infants | 12 to 15 hours |
| Toddlers | 11 to 14 hours |
| Pre-school age children | 10 to 13 hours |
| School-age children | 9 to 11 hours |
| Teenagers | 8 to 10 hours |
| Adults | 7 to 9 hours |
| Old age | 7 to 8 hours |
4.Chronic Insomnia
Women experiencing chronic insomnia may compensate for their sleepless nights by sleeping longer, leading to excessive sleepiness during the day.
Regular oversleeping may have other symptoms, but they differ from person to person such as,
- Headaches
- Memory problem
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Strained eyes and face
These symptoms apply to excessive somnolence, daytime drowsiness, or a strong desire to fall asleep.
5.Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress can disturb sleep patterns, leading to oversleeping. Women may find themselves sleeping excessively because of the fatigue and emotional tiredness associated with these conditions.
6.Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can induce drowsiness and contribute to oversleeping. Women must be aware of the potential side effects of their medications and consult with their healthcare provider if excessive sleepiness becomes an issue.
7.Sudden Excessive Sleepiness in the Elderly
In older women, sudden excessive sleepiness could indicate underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or even early signs of dementia. Seeking medical attention and evaluation is essential to diagnose and address these potential health concerns.
If you snore loudly and feel sleepy even after a full night’s rest, you may have sleep apnea. Know more about signs of sleep apnea to protect your body from memory loss and heart problems.
8.Sleep Disruptions
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, chronic pain, and sleep apnea, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to oversleeping. Treating these medical conditions may help excessive sleepiness and improve overall sleep quality.
9.Lack of Sleep
Consistently failing to obtain sufficient sleep can result in sleep debt, a cumulative deficit that can be obvious as extreme daytime sleepiness. Women who struggle to prioritize sleep and always get sleep debt may find themselves oversleeping in an attempt to “catch up” on lost sleep.
You can get a great sleep with these 5 easy tips such as taking warm showers, calming your mind, controlling screen time, limiting caffeine, and avoiding daytime sleep.
10.Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise
A diet lacking in essential nutrients can negatively impact sleep quality and contribute to oversleeping. Additionally, a lifestyle without regular exercise can lead to decreased sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Incorporating a balanced diet and regular physical activity can improve sleep patterns and reduce oversleeping.
You should be aware causes of oversleeping hypersomnia, hormonal imbalance, poor sleep habits, chronic insomnia, mental health conditions, medication side effects, sleep disruptions, lack of sleep, and poor diet. You have to change your diet plan and sleep pattern for better sleep. Additionally, hypersomnia treatment can make lifestyle changes to help women’s sleep patterns effectively. By prioritizing sleep hygiene, consulting healthcare professionals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, women can reduce oversleeping and enjoy more energy and alertness throughout the day.
