Sleeping more than nine hours a day increases the risk of premature death and could be a possible symptom of certain diseases.

Getting a good night's sleep is vital for overall health, as it helps boost your immune system, improves your concentration, and provides more energy, among other benefits. However, sleeping more than nine hours can pose health risks , according to a recent study published in Springer Nature.

According to a meta-analysis that reviewed more than 79 studies , they analyzed how sleep duration influences health and mortality, although many do not believe it.

While it's true that a good night's sleep, accompanied by a balanced diet and physical activity, is one of the essential pillars of good health, you shouldn't exceed the required number of hours.

In this study, they found that those who slept less than seven hours a night had a 14 percent higher risk of dying, compared to those who slept between seven and eight hours.

During sleep, the body carries out physiological processes such as muscle recovery, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. When an individual doesn't get the best rest, they may feel moody, stressed, and have more difficulty concentrating at work .

Not getting the best rest can be a significant health risk factor, as it is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, metabolic disorders (such as type 2 diabetes), and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

The research highlighted that while sleep deprivation has adverse effects, which have been documented over the years, it has now been realized that excessive sleep is also detrimental to health.

This meta-analysis found that those who slept at least seven hours had a 14 percent higher risk of dying during the study period compared to those who slept between seven and eight hours.

But something that caught the researchers' attention was that sleeping more than nine hours was associated with a 34 percent increased risk of death.

Despite the consequences of excessive sleeping, the authors caution that this research only shows a correlation, not a causal relationship. That is, sleeping too much does not necessarily cause health problems or death, but rather prolonged sleep could provoke symptoms of pre-existing conditions.

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