Akshaye Khanna’s 10-hour Sleep Routine - Expert Shares If It’s Good Or Bad For Health

We all are well aware of the importance of sleep. In today’s hectic lifestyle, sleep often takes a backseat. There are always those who are an exception though. We are talking about people who prioritise sleep over everything else. Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna is one of them. In a recent interview, he shared how sleep is not a luxury, but a non-negotiable part of his daily life. The actor also said that he believes how regulated and uninterrupted sleep is the foundation of both physical health and mental clarity. “I sleep about ten hours a day,” he revealed in the media interview.

But is sleeping for 10 hours every day considered oversleeping, or is it just the right amount of rest one needs? Is this much sleep good or bad for our health? Today, we will answer all these for you. To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon. Read ahead.

Is 10 Hours Of Sleep Considered Oversleeping?

To get the record straight, we first ask our expert if 10 hours of sleep is the right amount of rest or falls under ‘oversleeping.’ “For most adults, sleeping 10 hours regularly is more than required and is usually considered oversleeping. Scientific guidelines suggest adults need 7–9 hours of sleep. Sleeping longer once in a while is normal, especially after illness or exhaustion. However, if someone needs 10 hours daily and still feels tired, it may indicate poor sleep quality or an underlying health problem,” explains Dr Tayal.

A recent study noted that sleeping less may also not be good for health. The study involved 79 long-term studies, and it discovered that those who sleep for less than seven hours a night had a 14% higher risk of dying during the study period compared to those sleeping seven to eight hours. So, how many hours of sleep is considered healthy? Our expert answers this as well. “For most adults, 7–9 hours of good-quality sleep is considered healthy. Teenagers need slightly more, while older adults may need a bit less. What matters most is quality sleep — falling asleep easily, staying asleep, and waking up refreshed,” shares the expert.

Causes, Symptoms And Side Effects Of Oversleeping

On this note, Dr Tayal shares the causes, symptoms and side effects of oversleeping.

Causes:

Oversleeping can be caused by –

• Sleep disorders (like sleep apnea).
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Thyroid problems.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Chronic stress, or certain medicines.

Symptoms:

Speaking about the common symptoms, the expert shares that they include feeling tired even after long sleep, headache, heaviness in the body, poor concentration, low energy, mood changes, and daytime sleepiness.

Side Effects:

And what about the side effects of oversleeping? Dr Tayal says that long-term oversleeping can make a person:

• Feel lazy.
• Mentally dull.
• Less productive.

He adds that studies show it may increase the risk of:

• Weight gain.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Depression.
• It can also disturb the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making sleep less refreshing.

Also Read: Can Sleep Apnea Impact Your Weight?

Is Oversleeping Linked To Medical Problems?

So is oversleeping linked to any medical condition or issues? Our expert answers. “Oversleeping has been linked to depression, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and memory problems. In many cases, oversleeping is a sign of an underlying condition, such as sleep apnea or hormonal imbalance, rather than a disease by itself,” explain Dr Tayal.

As per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, these are the recommended different sleep durations for different groups:

• Children: 9 hours per night.
• Teenagers: 8-10 hours per night.
• Adults: 7 or more hours per night.

How To Treat Oversleeping?

When there’s will, there’s always a way…or in this case, a cure. So how can you treat or cure oversleeping? “Treatment focuses on the cause. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can help. If oversleeping continues, a doctor should evaluate for sleep disorders, mental health conditions, or medical issues. Treating the root cause usually normalises sleep duration,” shares Dr Tayal.

Treating oversleeping may also need a thorough examination of the following:

• Medical history - Assessing personal and family history for sleeping disorders.
• Sleep monitoring - Tracking your sleep duration and quality over a few weeks.
• Sleep studies (polysomnography) - This aids in detailed sleep analysis to detect disorders such as sleep apnoea.
• Blood test - This can help check for underlying health issues such as thyroid or nutritional deficiencies.
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).

On this note, let us take a look at some precautionary tips to prevent oversleeping:

• Developing a consistent sleep schedule.
• Creating a comfortable environment for sleep.
• Limiting or cutting down on stimulants before bed.
• Regular exercise.
• Regular health check-ups.
• Mental health awareness.

Also Read: Sleeping With A Blanket Over Your Head In Winter – Is It Safe?

The Final Word

Sleeping 10 hours regularly is more than required and is usually considered oversleeping. Scientific guidelines suggest adults need 7–9 hours of sleep. Sleeping longer once in a while is normal, especially after illness or exhaustion. However, if someone needs 10 hours daily and still feels tired, it may indicate poor sleep quality or an underlying health problem.