Even though women generally sleep longer than men, research suggests that they suffer from more disrupted sleep.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors behind the gender sleep gap.
Women sleep longer — but not better
Studies show that women typically sleep more than men, yet this doesn’t mean they sleep better.
Many women try to make up for poor sleep quality by extending their total sleep time, often without much success.
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Hormones heavily influence sleep
Fluctuations in female hormones like estradiol directly affect the sleep cycle and quality of sleep.
These hormonal changes occur throughout a woman’s life and are a major driver behind changing sleep patterns.
Sleep issues often start during puberty
Girls can begin experiencing sleep disturbances as early as puberty.
Hormonal shifts at this stage can disrupt normal sleep rhythms, and these problems can continue into adulthood.
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Menstrual cycles disrupt nighttime rest
Many women report worse sleep in the days leading up to their period.
Cramps, mood swings, and physical discomfort can all interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.
Pregnancy brings new sleep challenges
During pregnancy, women may feel more fatigued but also experience fragmented sleep.
Frequent bathroom trips, restless legs, and trouble breathing are among the most common disturbances reported.
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Menopause triggers hot and restless nights
Hormonal upheaval during menopause can lead to night sweats and hot flashes, both of which are notorious sleep disruptors.
This stage of life often marks a significant drop in sleep quality for women.
Women are more prone to sleep disorders
A 2020 study found that women are 58 % more likely to suffer from insomnia than men.
Conditions like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome also appear more frequently in women, adding to the challenges.
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Newborns cut into moms’ sleep
After childbirth, women lose an average of 42 more minutes of sleep per night than men.
This is often due to women taking the lead on nighttime caregiving, which significantly fragments their rest.
Social expectations add more pressure
Beyond biology, societal norms place more of the household burden on women.
Juggling work, childcare, and chores often leaves women going to bed later and waking more during the night.
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Sleep needs evolve over time
While general sleep recommendations don’t differ much between men and women, real-life factors like health, hormones, and lifestyle mean that women’s actual sleep needs — and challenges — can shift with age.
This article is based on information from Healthline.com.