unilad homepage
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • World News
    • Crime
    • Health
    • Money
    • Sport
    • Travel
  • Film and TV
    • Netflix
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Scientists reveal how much sleep is too much and how to achieve the perfect amount

Home> News> Health

Published 20:33 10 Mar 2026 GMT

Scientists reveal how much sleep is too much and how to achieve the perfect amount

We're often told about getting the eight hours of kip...

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock

Topics: Sleep, Health

Callum Jones
Callum Jones

Advert

Advert

Advert

Experts have detailed how much sleep is actually deemed too much and what can be done to achieve that perfect balance to ensure you're at an optimal level for the day ahead.

World Sleep Day is this Friday (March 13), an annual event intended to raise awareness surrounding sleep health.

The event is intended to make people aware of sleep patterns and how much kip they are getting every night.

We're often told about what happens if you don't have enough sleep, but discussion surrounding too much is certainly less prevalent. I mean, we're not going to complain after ten hours of sleep and waking up at 11am on a weekend now are we?

Advert

Sleep experts Charlotte Gupta and Gabrielle Rigney wrote in a piece published in The Conversation about the impact too much sleep can have on your overall health and the results are certainly surprising.

Too much sleep can actually be bad for your health (Getty Stock Photo)
Too much sleep can actually be bad for your health (Getty Stock Photo)

A review of 79 studies found that those who slept more than nine hours a night had a 34 percent higher chance of dying compared to those who get seven to eight hours of kip of an evening.

Meanwhile, a 2018 study looked into the sleep health of participants across a variety of different studies ranging from a year to 30 and found a similar train.

Those who slept more than nine hours a night had a 14 percent higher chance of dying in the study period.

The Conversation piece also noted that sleeping too much is linked to a variety of different health problems, including depression, chronic pain, weight gain and metabolic disorders.

Gupta and Rigney said that to achieve the perfect amount of sleep, it's advised to 'get sunlight and stay active during the day, and try to keep a regular sleep and wake time'.

There are many things you can do to maximise sleep (Getty Stock Photo)
There are many things you can do to maximise sleep (Getty Stock Photo)

You're also going to want to avoid any screens for an hour leading up to bed time, while it's also crucial your sleep space is at an optimal temperature, as well as being in a quiet and dark place.

And it goes without saying comfort is key to a good nights sleep.

Sammy Margo, a sleep expert with Dreams, has also detailed some hacks to sleeping well, with routine being the key.

The expert explained: "Humans thrive on rhythm and routine. Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day, even at weekends. If you’ve had a poor night, go to bed slightly earlier rather than sleeping in. Wind down properly with calming activities, limit caffeine late in the day, and make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and comfortable.”

  • Scientists reveal how much sleep Americans get compared to other countries with surprising results
  • Popular ‘sleep divorce’ trend explained and how it has shocking impact on sex life
  • Doctor reveals the real reason you feel like falling when you're going to sleep
  • Doctor explains the surprising benefits of penis kegels and how to do them

Choose your content:

19 mins ago
an hour ago
3 hours ago
9 hours ago
  • Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Coachella
    19 mins ago

    Madonna's missing Coachella outfit ‘might have fallen off a golf cart’

    Police have insisted "There is no evidence to suggest the bags were intentionally stolen.”

    Celebrity
  • Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Storage Wars' René Nezhoda pays tribute to co-star Darrell Sheets and claims he was bullied prior to death

    Sheets' former co-star has alleged that Darrell was being brutally cyber-bullied in the run up to his tragic death

    Celebrity
  • Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
    3 hours ago

    Official cause of death confirmed for Celeste Rivas Hernandez, teen at heart of D4vd murder case

    The singer whose real name is David Anthony Burke is facing a first-degree murder charge and could face death penalty if convicted

    News
  • Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
    9 hours ago

    Storage Wars star Darrell Sheets has died aged 67

    The reality TV star's death was announced by Arizona police officers after being called to his home address

    Celebrity