Mattress and Other Tips for Oversleeping

09 Sep Mattress and Other Tips for Oversleeping

There are a few terms that tend to inspire some consternation from sleep specialists and medical professionals in the sleep realm, and one of these is “oversleeping.” Oversleeping is absolutely a real thing that can impact many people, but there are also some common misconceptions about it and what it means – and about how to manage it if you believe it’s a problem for you.

At 2 Brothers Mattress, sleep is the name of the game for us as we serve clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, American Fork and other parts of Utah with all their needs when it comes to mattresses, adjustable bed frames and numerous other sleep accessories. Let’s dig into what “oversleeping” really means, the truth about sleep habits and timing, and how those who are dealing with legitimate oversleeping issues can address those through proper mattress selection and other basic sleep tips. 

Sleeping Late and “Oversleeping” Aren’t the Same

Perhaps the single largest misconception when it comes to “oversleeping” is that it’s all about sleeping late. For some reason, some people seem to believe that if anyone sleeps past a given hour – whether that’s 9am, 10am or some other arbitrary marker – they have “overslept.” 

In reality, this is not what “oversleeping” means at all. Rather, it’s all about sleeping too much in general. A person could sleep late, but if they only got the amount of rest their body needs, it wouldn’t be considered oversleeping. 

It’s About Total Sleep Hours

What’s actually important to focus on when it comes to “oversleeping” is total sleep hours over the course of a given night, or course of nights. Generally speaking, the average human body needs between six and eight hours of sleep per night – what’s important is not necessarily which time ranges you utilize for these hours, but that you’re getting them as consistently as possible.

For some people, this may mean a schedule that has them going to sleep around midnight and waking up around 6am. For others, it might mean they get to sleep earlier and wake up later. If the total sleep hours comes out to seven over a given night/course of nights, that person is not oversleeping – even if they are sleeping past 9am or some other arbitrary marker on one or more days. 

Risks of Actual Oversleeping

Now that we’ve defined these terms and cleared up any myths, it’s important to realize that actual oversleeping is a real thing – and can be detrimental in several ways:

• Damaging sleep habits: First and foremost, oversleeping can lead to a disruption of your normal sleep habits. So even if you’re sleeping enough on any given night, it could still be damaging in the long run if those hours are happening at the wrong times.

• Brain fog: Over long periods of time, oversleeping can also cause confusion and make it harder to focus during waking hours – commonly referred to as “brain fog.”

• Depression: In some cases, oversleeping can be linked to depression, and vice versa. This is something that should certainly be monitored if it’s a concern. 

• Back pain: Oversleeping can actually lead to back pain in some people too – especially if they’re sleeping on a mattress that’s not suited for their body type. 

• Obesity: Furthermore, there are direct connections between oversleeping and obesity for some people, even when food and exercise levels remain roughly the same.

Managing Oversleeping

Luckily, there are several ways to address the issue of oversleeping if it’s a concern in your life.

• Get on a consistent schedule: One of the first things you can do is make an effort to get on a consistent sleep schedule that works for you. This could be any amount from six hours up to eight, but making sure you’re sleeping and waking at roughly the same times most days of the week can help ensure your body gets what it needs.

• Select a mattress that works for you: Additionally, choosing a mattress that fits your body type and sleeping style is key. At 2 Brothers Mattress, we provide numerous options for everyone from those looking for firm support to those who prefer the comfort of a memory foam mattress. 

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise is also important for many aspects of life, including helping to regulate your sleep patterns and ensuring you don’t oversleep or wake up feeling groggy throughout the day. 

• Eat healthily: Finally, make sure you’re eating healthy foods throughout the day – and avoiding big meals too close to bedtime. This can help ensure that you get a good night’s sleep and that your body has the fuel it needs for waking hours as well. 

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’re here to provide all the sleep advice, mattress selection help and other information you need to get the restful night’s sleep you deserve. If you have questions about “oversleeping” or any of our mattresses or other sleep accessories for clients around SLC, Provo, American Fork and other parts of Utah, contact us today!