Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men? – Better Sleep Council | Start every day with a good night’s sleep

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The language in this article primarily refers to data in binary terms, using “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” to describe the datasets. This is because the research referenced did not include data on individuals who identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.

Many wonder why reports of sleep challenges are more common among women compared to men. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations and increased stress levels are known to affect women’s sleep.

Do Women Require More Sleep Than Men? There are three case studies that delve into the potential gender differences in sleep needs, which can influence the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

Reasons for Increased Sleep Needs in Women Women may face more difficulty than men in achieving restful sleep due to several reasons. Hormonal shifts during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to insomnia, night sweats, and hot flashes, disrupting sleep. Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are also more prevalent in women, coupled with additional responsibilities such as childcare and household tasks, which can contribute to stress and hinder relaxation before bedtime, thereby affecting sleep quality.

Individual sleep needs can vary based on age, lifestyle, and health, but the general recommendation is for adults to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Studies indicate that women are more likely to report sleep difficulties. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that women are 1.4 times more likely to experience insomnia symptoms. Research from the Better Sleep Council reveals:

• 54% of women vs. 42% of men feel they don’t get enough sleep
• 50% of women vs. 38% of men find it challenging to fall asleep
• 55% of women vs. 43% of men struggle to stay asleep
• 45% of women vs. 32% of men report that body pain disrupts their sleep
• Only 15% of women vs. 23% of men are very satisfied with their sleep

Exploring Gender Differences in Sleep: Case Studies

• Case Study #1: A 2013 study compared sleep duration among individuals with similar work-family obligations and found that women generally slept more than men. However, when considering factors like paid and unpaid work, napping, bedtimes, and caregiving interruptions, the gap narrowed. Caregiving interruptions, more prevalent among women, were shown to reduce sleep quality.
• Case Study #2: At the Loughborough University Sleep Research Center, it was discovered that women need around 20 additional minutes of sleep per night compared to men. This is attributed to differences in brain wiring, which may result in a slightly greater sleep requirement for women. Women’s poor sleep was closely linked to higher levels of psychological distress and negative emotions, whereas men did not exhibit the same correlation.
• Case Study #3: A review from 2014 emphasized the importance of considering sex differences in sleep research, pointing out a lack of focus on gender differences in sleep disorders. The review showed that women have a 40% higher chance of suffering from insomnia and are also at greater risk for restless leg syndrome (RLS) and sleep apnea. It also highlighted that gender differences in symptom reporting could influence the understanding of sleep behavior and disorders.

Conclusion Quality sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health, regardless of one’s sex or gender. Even though research suggests that women may need slightly more sleep than men, it remains essential for all adults to strive for the recommended 7-9 hours each night. To enhance sleep quality, individuals should maintain a consistent sleep schedule, establish a calming bedtime routine, and avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol before sleep. Emphasizing the importance of sleep can lead to improved health and well-being for everyone.

For guidance on prioritizing sleep and developing healthy sleep habits, visit BetterSleep.org.