Typically I need nine hours of sleep. But lately I've 10 1/2 hours a night. Last night I slept 12 hours! I'm not sick, I did overcome a cold last week but feel healthy and nothing has been stressing me. What could be the cause?
2007-01-15 12:14:18 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
If this continues my life's productivity would be much lessened
2007-01-15 12:15:42 · update #1
Hypersomnia is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep.
Patients often have difficulty waking from a long sleep, and may feel disoriented.When evaluating a person who has become excessively sleepy, doctors ask about the person's mood, sleep-wake schedule, and use of drugs and alcohol.
Hope this help Good luck.
2007-01-15 13:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sleep urge is regulated by a hormone secreted from the pineal gland of the brain, called melatonin. The secretion of this hormone is totally dependent upon exposure to UV light (aka, from the sun). Household lighting will not have any effect upon melatonin secretion and levels.
When the body is exposed to lots of UV light, the melatonin levels drop, and the brain becomes more "active" for longer during the day. The opposite happens when you are exposed to very little UV light, as melatonin secretion increases, making you tired and lethargic, needing more sleep. Basically, as its name implies, melatonin makes you "mellow".
So in the winter, when there is less sunlight during the day and most people stay indoors, melatonin levels increase, making people more sleepy. An extreme case of this is when bears hibernate during the winter, but the general effect is the same on humans.
The best way to combat this is to either go outside more or use a tanning booth to increase your UV exposure (not too much though, as overuse can lead to cancer down the road). This way, your body gets more UV, produces less melatonin, and you don't feel as lethargic -- plus you get a nice tan to boot!
2007-01-15 12:27:20 · answer #2 · answered by John 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the factors you left out was your age ...Sometimes the body and mind just need a few weeks rest. If this persists you may have physical problems. If it lasts more than a month go to the Dr. and tell him everything. Write it down your Dr. will be glad you did it will help you both.
2007-01-15 12:25:28 · answer #3 · answered by ernest_lane@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too much sugar could be a cause. I'm caffeinated and on a sugar rush all day and sleep like a bear hibernates. at least 9-10 hours. or it could be that you're working yourself too much and just need more rest so your body can catch up.
2007-01-15 12:24:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people need more sleep than others. I would listen to your body. But, you could also be sleeping too long, which will make you seem more tired. Try setting your alarm clock for different times to see what amount is the right amount for you, and then try to stick to that.
Good luck.
2007-01-15 12:23:09 · answer #5 · answered by Should be Working! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your body produces a chemical that wakes you up everyday. It is only produced when your body is "rested" enough. It doesn;t matter how well you feel. Set you alarm for the same time every morning for a few days, You body will produce the wake up naturally again.
2007-01-15 12:24:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same happens to me, I done think theres anything wrong with you, Maybe you need to eat more energizing food or drink to maybe the food youve been eating lately has made you drousy
2007-01-15 12:18:57 · answer #7 · answered by Danny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋