從睡眠時長看身體狀況

In recent years, the relationship between sleep duration and health has received considerable attention. While numerous medical studies have indicated that insufficient sleep can harm health, recent research has found that excessive sleep may also be a sign of underlying health problems. A large European study shows that people who consistently sleep excessively...Cardiovascular diseaseThe risk of death is significantly increased, with some cases showing a risk as high as 40%. Mainland research, drawing on the latest data from Europe and the United States, has reached similar conclusions.

Dr. Fong Yat-yu, a representative of the Hong Kong Sleep Society and a specialist psychiatrist, pointed out that if one consistently needs longer sleep than usual to feel satisfied, it may indicate a health problem, and he recommends seeking medical attention promptly. He explained that while traditional beliefs hold that "sleeping more and eating enough" is beneficial, modern medical research shows that excessive sleep may actually be detrimental to health. Such studies have been conducted in Europe, America, Japan, and Hong Kong, and the results generally show a link between excessive sleep and health problems.

Dr. Fang emphasized that although multiple studies have reached similar conclusions, such observational studies have certain limitations. Human health is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, living environment, habits, and mental state. Even tracking large samples for several years can only yield statistical correlations, making it difficult to establish direct causal relationships. He added, "Ideally, to accurately study the relationship between sleep and health, we would track an individual's entire life cycle from infancy to old age, but this is difficult to achieve in practice. Therefore, most existing studies are observational in nature."

Regarding ideal sleep duration, research has found that sleeping less than six hours increases the risk of diabetes because chronic sleep deprivation leads to elevated fasting blood glucose levels, affecting blood sugar stability. Furthermore, insufficient sleep can disrupt the endocrine system and increase the risk of obesity. Dr. Fang stated that excessive sleep is more likely a symptom of health problems than a cause. For example, heart disease patients often need more sleep due to fatigue; patients with sleep apnea extend their sleep time due to poor sleep quality; patients with depression often experience excessive sleepiness; and patients with serious illnesses such as cancer need more rest due to physical weakness.

The latest medical guidelines recommend that adults should...Ideal sleepThe duration of sleep should be seven to eight hours, and it should be in accordance with the body's natural circadian rhythm. It is recommended to fall asleep around 10 pm, as this is beneficial to the body's various organs.Get plenty of restAnd recovery. Dr. Fang also agrees with the benefits of moderate naps, suggesting that naps be kept to 15 to 30 minutes to avoid entering deep sleep, which can lead to mental confusion upon waking and affect the quality of nighttime sleep.

In summary, consistently sleeping more than nine hours a day may be a warning sign of health problems. Dr. Fang reminds citizens that if they find themselves consistently needing excessive sleep, they should seek medical attention promptly to identify potential health issues and begin prevention and treatment as early as possible. Maintaining adequate sleep duration and good sleep quality is crucial for preserving physical and mental health.