[synvilla]

I sleep a lot and it worries me. On average, I'd say it's around 12 hours per night but it could vary. Some nights I sleep about 20 hours and it has happened quite a few times that I've slept 22-23 hours. In general I would say it's never less than 10 hours, and if I only sleep 8-9 hours then I feel sleep deprived and I have a "sleep dept" - the following day I can't stay up very late and fall asleep the minute I lie down.

How normal is this? Is it a sign of some other condition or do I just happen to need more sleep than the average person?

I'm 21 now, but it's been like this for years - at least since I reached my teens.

[Louise_x]

Perhaps your iron levels are low?

If I were you, I'd go see your GP. You're right, sleeping this amount isn't normal - even those that sleep more that most don't tend to sleep for ore than 12 - and that's a rarity.

[geditor]

I would recommend seeing your doctor; 20 hours sleep isn't normal, even for someone who requires more sleep than others. I'd say 10 hours is the boundary as what is defined as "more sleep than others".

[KCosmo]

It could be that you just need more sleep than others, but I think it's more likely to be something else. Your doctor will be able to give the best answer, it could just be that a change in diet is all you need.

[moya]

(Original post by synvilla)
I sleep a lot and it worries me. On average, I'd say it's around 12 hours per night but it could vary. Some nights I sleep about 20 hours and it has happened quite a few times that I've slept 22-23 hours. In general I would say it's never less than 10 hours, and if I only sleep 8-9 hours then I feel sleep deprived and I have a "sleep dept" - the following day I can't stay up very late and fall asleep the minute I lie down.

How normal is this? Is it a sign of some other condition or do I just happen to need more sleep than the average person?

I'm 21 now, but it's been like this for years - at least since I reached my teens.

This is not normal. Are you on any medication? Some can cause you to sleep longer.

[lightburns]

Probably something going wrong. I suggest talking to a doctor.

My sleepiness issues cleared up around the time I got my very severe vitamin D deficiency sorted out. My doctor says that's a coincidence, but hey ho.

[NB_ide]

Do you sleep solidly the whole time?

[synvilla]

(Original post by moya)
This is not normal. Are you on any medication? Some can cause you to sleep longer.

No, no medication at all. My sister wants me to eat Ritalin as the most common side effect is that people sleep a lot less.

[moya]

(Original post by synvilla)
No, no medication at all. My sister wants me to eat Ritalin as the most common side effect is that people sleep a lot less.

That's a bad idea. Go to your doctor, and if you have enough time, read this http://www.supermemo.com/articles/sleep.htm . Sleep is important, but if you are constantly sleeping this long then there could be something wrong.

[synvilla]

(Original post by NB_ide)
Do you sleep solidly the whole time?

More or less, yes. I'd say I probably wake up maybe once or twice but only shortly (for a few seconds).

And I sleep heavier at times and not as heavy at other times. My sister got me an "ironic alarm" which is so loud neighbours have called fire department thinking it was fire alarm, and it doesn't always wake me up properly.

In general, when I need to sleep - I sleep. Regardless of if I'm standing up (I would need to lean to something, like a wall), sitting down, am at uni etc. And it's difficult to wake me up. And it usually only take me a few seconds to fall asleep when I go to bed.

Other times I would wake up just by noise in the room, and I wouldn't have a trouble getting up straight away.

[bananalala]

I agree with everyone saying see your doc - hope you get to the bottom of it!