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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Jun;73(6):785-94.
doi: 10.1002/ana.23818. Epub 2013 Jul 11.

Excessive sleep duration and quality of life

Maurice M Ohayon  1 , Charles F Reynolds 3rd, Yves Dauvilliers
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Excessive sleep duration and quality of life

Maurice M Ohayon et al. Ann Neurol. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: Using population-based data, we document the comorbidities (medical, neurologic, and psychiatric) and consequences for daily functioning of excessive quantity of sleep (EQS), defined as a main sleep period or 24-hour sleep duration ≥ 9 hours accompanied by complaints of impaired functioning or distress due to excessive sleep, and its links to excessive sleepiness.

Methods: A cross-sectional telephone study using a representative sample of 19,136 noninstitutionalized individuals living in the United States, aged ≥ 18 years (participation rate = 83.2%). The Sleep-EVAL expert system administered questions on life and sleeping habits; health; and sleep, mental, and organic disorders (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision; International Classification of Sleep Disorders: Diagnostic and Coding Manual II, International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th edition).

Results: Sleeping at least 9 hours per 24-hour period was reported by 8.4% (95% confidence interval = 8.0-8.8%) of participants; EQS (prolonged sleep episode with distress/impairment) was observed in 1.6% (1.4-1.8%) of the sample. The likelihood of EQS was 3 to 12× higher among individuals with a mood disorder. EQS individuals were 2 to 4× more likely to report poor quality of life than non-EQS individuals as well as interference with socioprofessional activities and relationships. Although between 33 and 66% of individuals with prolonged sleep perceived it as a major problem, only 6.3 to 27.5% of them reported having sought medical attention.

Interpretation: EQS is widespread in the general population, co-occurring with a broad spectrum of sleep, medical, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, physicians must recognize EQS as a mixed clinical entity indicating careful assessment and specific treatment planning.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Normal distribution of sleep in the sample
Figure 2
Figure 2. Proportion of individuals with impairment or distress related to deteriorated quality of wakefulness
Figure 3
Figure 3. Association between sleep duration and complaint of deteriorated quality of wakefulness
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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