Why Women May Need More Sleep and How This Affects Their Well-Being
A good night's sleep is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. However, women report sleep problems more frequently than men. Various factors such as hormonal changes and additional stress can affect women's sleep. This article presents three case studies that highlight possible gender-specific differences in sleep behavior and how these differences can impact the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Why do women need more sleep than men?
There are several factors that can explain why women are more likely to struggle with sleep problems than men. One of the most significant factors is hormonal changes, particularly during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes can lead to insomnia, night sweats, and hot flashes, which contribute to sleep disturbances.
In addition to hormonal changes, women are also more prone to depression and anxiety and often have additional responsibilities such as childcare and household chores. These factors can cause additional stress and make it difficult for women to relax and unwind before going to bed, which ultimately affects sleep quality.
Sleep needs can vary from person to person depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. On average, it is recommended that both men and women get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Studies have found that women report sleep problems more often than men. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that women report symptoms of insomnia 1.4 times more often than men. According to a study from the USA...
- More women than men say they do not get enough sleep (54% compared to 42%)
- More women than men say that it is very/somewhat difficult to fall asleep (50% compared to 38%) and to stay asleep (55% compared to 43%)
- Women also more frequently report that body aches or discomfort prevent them from having a good night's sleep (45% compared to 32%).
- Fewer women than men report being very satisfied with their sleep (15% compared to 23%)
- The following case studies examine the differences between the sleep of men and women, including the type of reporting and possible reasons why women need more sleep.
Case Study #1
A study from 2013 examined gender-specific differences in sleep duration among individuals with similar responsibilities in work and family. The study found that "overall and in most life stages, women slept more than men." However, the gender difference was smaller when considering the effects of paid and unpaid work, napping, bedtimes, and sleep interruptions for caregiving. Women's sleep duration was more affected by work and family responsibilities than men's. Interruptions due to caregiving, which occur more frequently among women, impair sleep quality.
Case Study #2
Researchers at the Loughborough University Sleep Research Center found that women "need about 20 minutes more sleep per night" than men. Professor Jim Horne noted that "women's brains are wired differently... therefore their sleep needs will be somewhat greater."
"In women, poor sleep is strongly associated with high psychological stress and a greater sense of hostility, depression, and anger... In contrast, these feelings were not associated with sleep disturbances to the same extent in men."
Case Study #3
A research overview from 2014 highlighted the role of gender differences in sleep research and suggested that there is a lack of research on gender-specific differences in sleep disorders in women and potential gender-specific biases exist. It noted that the risk of women suffering from insomnia is 40% higher than that of men. Women also have a higher risk of developing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and sleep apnea, both of which can impair sleep quality.
Research also shows that differences in sleep behavior and sleep disorders can be caused not only by biological factors but also by gender-specific differences in symptom description. Identifying these differences between men and women has the potential to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sleep disorders and related conditions for everyone.
Conclusion
Sufficient quality sleep is crucial for physical and mental health regardless of gender. Although research shows that women tend to need slightly more sleep than men, it is important for all adults to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
To improve sleep quality, one can establish a regular sleep rhythm, maintain a relaxing routine before bedtime, and avoid caffeine and alcohol before sleeping. Prioritizing sleep can enhance the overall health and well-being of both men and women.
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