You’ve probably heard that you should get a good amount of sleep each night. Not doing so will put you in what’s called “sleep debt,” and can lead to a host of symptoms and health issues. Exactly how much sleep should you get? Sleep needs depend mostly on age, but they are also individual. Your sleep needs may also be affected by pregnancy, aging, sleep deprivation, and sleep quality.

Oversleeping is called hypersomnia or “long sleeping.” This condition affects about 2 percent of people. People with hypersomnia might require as many as 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night to feel their best. Since day-to-day life might include responsibilities that don’t allow for this much rest, long sleepers may feel excessively tired during the day and catch up on off days, sleeping as much as 15 hours at a time. You may experience hypersomnia if you often wake up in the middle of the night. You may not remember all of your nighttime wakings, but they can keep you from getting enough deep sleep to leave you feeling refreshed. Hypersomnia typically starts in childhood. If you haven’t always felt as tired as you do now, something else might be going on. Lifestyle factors can play a part. If you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, your body may try to make up for it by oversleeping.

There are also a number of health conditions that might cause you to oversleep, such as thyroid issues, heart disease, sleep apnea, depression, certain medications, anxiety, low energy, memory problems Even if you don’t have a sleep disorder, regularly oversleeping may have a negative impact on your health. Some complications may include headaches, obesity, diabetes, back pain, depression, heart disease and increased risk of death

Set the stage for a good night’s rest by following these tips:

Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. When you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, you condition your body to expect sleep during that time. You may eventually get into a rhythm where sleep comes more easily.

Being comfortable will help your body give in to sleep. Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. You may want to darken the room using curtains. Earplugs or a white-noise machine can help drown out distractions. Try to limit the number of pets or children sleeping in your bed, and avoid falling asleep with the television on, even if the sound is off. And consider switching your pillow or mattress if they are uncomfortable.

Computer and phone screens emit what is called blue light. At night this kind of light can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm and disrupt sleep. Power down your devices and limit your exposure to blue light in the two to three hours before bed.

Taking care of yourself during waking hours will help your sleep. Think about the things you consume. Caffeine may wind you up if consumed too close to bedtime. Herbal tea or warm milk are better substitutes. Exercise is good for your body, but doing it right before you go to bed may disrupt your sleep.

If you have concerns about your sleep, write about them. Include anything and everything about your usual habits and routine so you can show your doctor. Be sure to jot down how long you sleep each night, how long it takes to fall asleep, if you nap during the day, and anything else related to your rest you think may be important.