(PCM) No, it’s not a typo: Americans are getting too much sleep. If you’re asking yourself, “Who are these people and what do they do for a living?”, well, you’re not alone! It’s hard to believe, but a new survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed that most Americans are getting over eight yours of sleep a night, which according to them is TOO MUCH sleep.
The average American over age fifteen sleeps 8 hours and 43 minutes every night, and even more on the weekends at 9 hours and 21 minutes – an amount of sleep that is actually bad for you. Women sleep slightly more than men at 8 hours and 48 minutes vs 8 hours and 37 minutes per night, and teenagers ages fifteen to nineteen get the most sleep at 9 hours and 28 minutes!
Research suggests that getting eight hours every night can make you happier, richer, smarter and help you maintain a healthy weight. So what’s the real harm in sleeping more than the recommended amount? According to WebMD, oversleeping has been linked to a number of medical issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk of death – risk factors that are unlikely if you’re just slightly over the 8-hour mark. Too much sleep can also lead to weight gain: one study found that people who slept for nine or 10 hours every night were 21% more likely to become obese over a six-year period than were people who slept seven or eight.
Aim for 7 to 8 hours a night, or a number that you find works best for you!
More:
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Teen with Sleeping Beauty Syndrome Sleeps for Two Whole Months!
