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There are several studies (Example 1, Example 2) about the effect of sleep deprivation on alertness and cognitive performance.

Are there any studies investigating the opposite - The effect of too much sleep on alertness, also known as the Rip Van Winkle Effect?

With "alertness" I mean two factors:

  1. subjective mental alertness as reported by test subjects and,
  2. objectively measured cognitive performance.

I am not talking about any health consequences, either long-term or short-term. There is already another question covering that:

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    There is certainly a lot of anecdotal evidence for this - i feel much more sleepy if I over-sleep! Interested to hear of any studies...
    – Luke
    Jul 24, 2012 at 8:30
  • Apparently not, according to Einstein.
    – user7920
    Jul 24, 2012 at 13:33
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    Do you have a notable claim that it does?
    – Chad
    Jul 24, 2012 at 14:47
  • 1
    My understanding, from reading and asking doctors about sleep apnea, is that there is no such thing as oversleeping. It does take you longer to wake to full alertness after a deep sleep than after a 20 minute nap. But in general, if you are getting regular, adequate sleep and do not wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day, then you likely have a sleep issue (e.g., sleep apnea).
    – Jeff
    Sep 3, 2012 at 2:35

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