Why Women Need More Sleep Than Men?

All of us have often heard that we require 7-8 hours of sleep to function well. But if you are a woman and even after sleeping for eight hours, you are tired in the morning, this may be happening because you need to sleep a bit longer. While men can function well on 7-8 hours of sleep, women need more time in bed.

"As a gynecologist, I can affirm that several studies suggest women generally have a greater need for sleep compared to men," says Dr. Sonam Simpatwar from Mumbai's Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Hospital.

Good sleep is vital for overall health, affecting brain performance, heart health, metabolism, skin quality, and longevity. It equips individuals to manage emotions better, reducing levels of anxiety and depression. Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to neurological diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, along with obesity, heart disease, and stroke.

Dr. Arun Kotaru, consultant in pulmonology and sleep medicine at Artemis Hospital, explains that during sleep, the body undergoes essential processes like tissue repair, muscle growth, and hormone regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, memory, and decision-making abilities, leading to decreased productivity and increased risk of accidents.

Newborns and toddlers require the most sleep, while adults typically need 7-9 hours per night. However, women may need about 20 minutes more sleep than men. Circadian rhythms shift with age, causing earlier bedtimes and awakenings, with sleep patterns changing significantly after 40.

Research suggests women need more sleep to recover from daily activities due to multitasking and complex brain functioning. Despite this, women generally have better sleep efficiency but are more prone to insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Hormonal changes influence women's sleep, with fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone disrupting sleep patterns throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Psychological and physiological factors contribute to lower sleep quality in women, including interruptions and stress.

Psychologist Sumalatha Vasudeva from Bangalore's Gleneagles BGS Hospital highlights women's tendency to prioritize responsibilities over health, leading to mental and emotional exhaustion. Juggling multiple roles personally and professionally adds to stress levels, exacerbated by constant connectivity through technology.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in relaxing bedtime routines, and creating a comfortable sleep environment are essential for better sleep quality. Limiting screen exposure, caffeine, and alcohol intake, along with regular exercise and stress management techniques, contribute to improved sleep.

While women may need more sleep than men, adequate sleep is crucial for both genders. Understanding the factors influencing sleep patterns and adopting healthy sleep habits are essential for overall well-being and improved quality of life.

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