Why do I feel so tired if I get more than 11 hours of sleep? My mom says I slept too much. Is this true?
– Anya*

Most teens need between 8½ and 9 hours of sleep a night. If you get much more or less, you may wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed. People who sleep too long may also have trouble falling asleep, and they may wake up a lot during the night.

Some people who still feel tired after getting an adequate amount of sleep have sleep problems and don't realize it. Conditions such as sleep apnea, restless legs, or even depression can make it hard to get a good night's rest. Caffeine and some medications can also disrupt sleep patterns.

If you don't wake up feeling rested on most mornings, or think you might be depressed, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor.

For more information, check out these articles:
How Much Sleep Do I Need?
Common Sleep Problems
Depression

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: July 2007

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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.