Is there harm in sleeping too much?

This question was asked in Austin, Texas on 12/02/2013.
My 27 year old son has always been a sleeper (of 14+ hours a night if not woken). He has returned home after serving in the army and I am alarmed at the level of sleep he still needs. He can sleep still for 16/24 hrs. He is trim and fit and doesn't drink alcohol, but snores my roof off. All the males in my family have sleep apnea. Can he be seen for a sleep test without a GP referral? I think he'll sleep his life away otherwise. Also, what could be causing him to need so much sleep?

Doctors Answers (1)

SomnoDiagnostics, Inc.
Answered on: 4/18/2014

If your son has sleep apnea, that is the cause of his need for sleep. Your insurance dictates the referral process. However, in most cases you can self-refer to a Board Certified Sleep Specialist for a consultation.