Doctors Warn that Oversleeping May Cause Back Pain

The average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep every night.  Of course, you have heard the old “eight hours” rule from your doctor.  Everyone seems to warn against undersleeping, but what happens when you oversleep?

Studies have shown that sleeping for over nine hours, consistently, can actually be harmful to your health.  People suffering from hypersomnia and sleep apnea often sleep for too long.  Also, those who drink large quantities of alcohol or use certain types of prescription medication may be prone to oversleeping.  Depression, though it is more commonly linked to insomnia, is a cause, as well.

The potential health risks include: diabetes, heart disease, obesity, headaches, depression, and even death.  A little known fact, however, is that oversleeping can also cause back pain.  Doctors have long told their patients that a remedy for back pain is to lie down.  In fact, the best way to avoid this inconvenience is with exercise.  Walking, swimming, and stretching out can actually relax the muscles that cause back pain.

To avoid these problems and get a good night’s rest, doctors recommend that you avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, sleep in a relaxing environment, and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.  If you are experiencing back pain because of oversleeping, make an appointment to see a chiropractor today to discuss ways to stay healthy and pain free.