Study Finds Excessive Sleep May Be More Dangerous Than Sleep Deprivation

A recent study conducted at **Semmelweis University** in Hungary has revealed a surprising finding: while insufficient sleep is widely known to be harmful to health, sleeping excessively for long periods could be even more detrimental.

The research analyzed data from over **2.1 million people** involved in **79 separate studies** and found that both sleep deprivation (less than 7 hours of sleep) and excessive sleep (more than 9 hours) were linked to an increased risk of death. However, the danger posed by excessive sleep was significantly higher.

According to the study, individuals who sleep for **less than 7 hours** are at a **14% higher risk of death** from any cause. In contrast, those who sleep for **more than 9 hours** have a **34% higher risk**.

Interestingly, the risk associated with excessive sleep was found to be more pronounced in **women**, while the risk from insufficient sleep was greater for **men**. Researchers believe this could be due to differences in hormone systems between men and women, although further research is needed to fully understand this link.

The study also pointed to the widespread issue of **sleep deprivation** in the modern world, influenced by factors like **blue light from devices**, constant exposure to **social media**, and the stresses of daily life, all of which disrupt the body’s natural rhythms. These disruptions not only increase the risk of premature death but also contribute to various medical conditions like **obesity**, **heart disease**, and **diabetes**.

In addition to the risk of early death, the study explored the relationship between sleep duration and **stroke risk**. It was found that people who slept **5 to 6 hours** were **29% more likely** to experience a stroke compared to those who slept between **7 to 8 hours**. Moreover, individuals who slept **more than 8 hours** were at a **46% greater risk** of stroke.

With **stroke** being one of the leading causes of death worldwide, raising awareness about the factors that contribute to stroke risk could help prevent it, according to the researchers.

In conclusion, while it is important to get enough sleep, it is equally important to avoid oversleeping, as both extremes appear to carry significant health risks. Researchers urge further studies to understand the precise mechanisms at play.