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Did you know that women actually need more sleep than men? It's true, and it's not just a matter of preference—biology and behavior play a big role in why women require those extra hours of rest.
5 Min Read | By Shannan Humphrey
Last Modified 11 November 2024 First Added 4 November 2021
According to Loughborough University’s Sleep Research Centre, women need more sleep than men due to their “complex” brains. However, the differences are not as drastic as once believed. While it was previously suggested that women needed up to 10 hours of sleep, recent findings indicate they actually need only about 20 minutes more than men within the recommended 7-9 hours for adults.
Here’s what Jim Horne, Director of the Sleep Research Centre, shared with the MailOnline:
Women’s brains are wired differently, so their sleep needs tend to be slightly greater. Women often multi-task—they do more at once and are more flexible—using more of their brain than men do. For women, poor sleep is strongly linked to higher levels of psychological distress, and greater feelings of hostility, depression, and anger. In contrast, these emotions are not as strongly connected to sleep disruption in men.
Our 2024 sleep study confirmed that more women sleep slightly longer, with 35% getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night, compared to just 33% of men.
Though we all need a minimum of 7 hours of rest per night, individual differences, along with age, can impact how much shut-eye each of us needs. Research suggests that men and women differ in numerous behavioural and biological factors that affect our unique sleep needs. However, studies on sex, gender, and sleep require further research to understand better how these variables affect one another. Let’s explore the potential reasons why women need more sleep than men.
A 2014 sleep study shows that women have a 40 percent higher risk of experiencing and developing sleep disorders than men, such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea. These conditions can all affect sleep quality, causing women to need extra sleep to make up for the time lost during the night.
In addition to sleep disorders, insufficient rest can take a toll on mental health, making women more susceptible to issues like anxiety and depression.
If you struggle to achieve a peaceful night’s rest, discover helpful tips and advice here: How to Sleep Better at Night.
Women’s menstrual cycle and hormones can directly impact sleep quality and everyday life. Fluctuations in hormones can cause physical discomfort and pain, with PMS symptoms including headaches, bloating, cramps, and irritability. These can all affect a woman’s circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or, in some cases, stay awake.
Growing a human is no small feat! The added weight and increased energy demands can leave mums-to-be feeling exhausted and in need of extra rest. Not only do hormonal changes cause fatigue and drowsiness during the day, but research shows that during pregnancy, the chances of developing restless leg syndrome increase, making it more difficult to sleep at night. As if that weren’t enough, discomfort and frequent bathroom trips can disrupt sleep even more.
Read our tips on managing pregnancy insomnia for a better night’s rest.
Menopause can also significantly impact the amount of sleep a woman needs during this stage of her life. Hormonal fluctuations can cause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which can make a good night’s sleep feel impossible. After menopause, the risk of sleep apnea increases, further preventing the deep sleep needed for rest and recovery. All of these hormonal changes can lead to tiredness during the day and a need for extra early nights.
Though it’s not a competition, on average, women do have busier schedules. Along with their often full-time jobs, the work for many women doesn’t end when they come home. Shifts in the workplace, combined with unchanged societal norms, have led many women to juggle roles as both breadwinners and caregivers. For many, this means heading home after a long day at the office to cook, clean, and care for the kids.
Although a 2013 study found that women were spending less time in paid work and more time on unpaid tasks, being at home doesn’t necessarily mean getting more sleep. Women are more likely to have their sleep interrupted by their kids, especially if they have a new baby, leading to more disrupted rest that affects their circadian rhythm.
According to one study, women and men may have different views on sleep, which explains the difference in their sleep needs. Women are more likely to prioritise their well-being and health, placing more importance on setting aside time to relax and wind down. This can include recognising the importance of evening routines and making time for an earlier bedtime.
While sleep needs can vary from person to person, women may benefit from just a bit more rest than men, thanks to the unique demands on their bodies and minds. So, ladies, don’t feel guilty about pressing that snooze button—those extra 20 minutes of sleep are well deserved!
Curious about how much sleep you need? Try our helpful Sleep Calculator to find out.
See all articles by Shannan Humphrey
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