Sleep is a vital component of overall health, influencing the physical, mental and emotional well-being of humans. While individual sleep requirements vary, several experts and studies suggest that women may need slightly more sleep than men due to a combination of biological, hormonal and societal factors.
Experts speak
Dr. Christine Blume, a sleep researcher at the University of Basel, in the article titled ‘Why Women Need More Sleep Than Men’, notes that while current research does not provide a definitive answer, women report needing about 12 minutes more sleep on average than men. She stressed that this difference is not significant and that individual sleep needs can vary widely.
Dr. Aileen Alexander, a women’s health and sleep expert, in the article, ‘Do Women Really Need More Sleep Than Men?’, noted that hormonal influences—including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause—can disrupt sleep and increase the need for rest in women. She also points out that women often bear more household and caregiving responsibilities, potentially leading to greater fatigue.
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Professor Jim Horne, former director of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, suggests that women may require more sleep due to their tendency to multitask and use more of their brains during the day. This increased cognitive load could necessitate additional recovery time during sleep, as explained in ‘Why Women Experience More Sleep Issues Than Men’.
Factors that contribute to poor sleep patterns in women
Hormonal changes
Women experience various hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. These changes can significantly impact sleep quality and duration. For example, symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats during menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, potentially increasing overall sleep needs.
Mental health
Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are more prevalent in women than in men. These disorders are strongly associated with insomnia and other sleep disturbances. The bi-directional relationship between sleep and mental health suggests that poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues and vice versa.
Sleep disorders prevalence
Certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome, are more common in women, further disrupting sleep patterns.
Cognitive load and multitasking
Women often engage in more multi-tasking than men, leading to increased cognitive load. This heightened mental activity may necessitate additional sleep for recovery. Studies indicate that women may require approximately 20 minutes more sleep per night than men to recuperate from daily activities.
Societal and caregiving roles
Societal expectations frequently place a greater share of caregiving and household responsibilities on women. These roles can contribute to increased stress and reduced opportunities for quality sleep. Balancing multiple responsibilities may lead to fragmented sleep patterns, increasing the overall need for restorative rest.
The need for sleep
While the average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep per night, women may need slightly more due to hormonal changes, a higher prevalence of sleep disorders, increased cognitive demands, and societal roles. Recognising these factors is crucial for addressing sleep disparities and promoting better health outcomes for women.
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Remember, as a woman, if you don’t sleep to properly recuperate, you may not be able to take proper care of those who depend on you. Sleep is as important as the water we drink.
Create more space for it in your routine. Also, eliminate distractions such as mobile devices and work, and hand over your kids to a trusted person to ensure optimal rest.
If you are experiencing insomnia, seek professional guidance on what to do.
