What is considered too much sleep for female (72)?

There is no set amount of sleep for any age. Some people are old, worn out and ready to leave this world, others are setting out on new adventures. There are so many reasons for sleeping so much from depression, thyroid disease, low blood count. Start with a visit to her primary Dr and take it from there. is she someone who might be keeping secrets? For example could she be bleeding but would not tell anyone about it. Fear and embarrassment can play a big part in illness at any age. Think of the teenager who becomes pregnant but is too scared to tell her parents then one evening complains of severe abdominal pain and Mom takes her to the ER. Dr examines her and is just in time to deliver a healthy baby. There is usually a reason for different behavior, the problem is figuring out the cause.

sheril, even though your Mom goes to be bed at 8 pm does that mean she falls asleep right away and sleeps straight through the next 12 hours? Or does she wake up many times during the night and cannot get back to sleep for an hour or two. I am close to your Mom's age, and find my self watching TV at 3 in the morning and falling back to sleep at 5 or 6.

Does your Mom take pills for blood pressure.... when I was first place on said pills they would zone me out until we found the right balance of dosage.

As GardenArtist mentioned above, getting outside and getting exercise can make a difference... I know it does for me :)

There could be a number of other factors to consider: Is her diabetes under control and is she eating an appropriate diet? Does she get any exercise, get outside and get around? Is she mentally stimulated or does she watch tv all day long? Does she have any other medical conditions? Is she depressed?