Long Sleeper - Overview
Long sleepers regularly sleep more than the average member of their age group. Their nightly length of sleep tends to be 10 to 12 hours. This sleep is very normal and of a good quality. It is simply much longer than most people need.
A long sleeper’s main complaint is that there is not enough time during the day to be awake. The disorder begins in childhood. It is a life-long pattern of needing a lot of sleep. It is not caused by a sudden change in medical or mental conditions. It is a very stable, consistent pattern of sleep.
Many long sleepers have to sleep less during the week due to the demands of work or school. They can function well on about nine hours of sleep per night during the week. Then they can catch up with 12 to 15 hours of sleep on weekends and holidays.
A long sleeper who does not get enough sleep will feel sleepy during the day. This need for long hours of sleep can disrupt relationships with family and friends. It can be hard to keep up with social events and job or school schedules. But as long as they get enough sleep, long sleepers will feel alert and well rested during the day.
Others may tell long sleepers to use stimulants in order to stay awake longer. This only keeps them from getting the sleep that they really do need. It will only cause them more problems.