Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?

Sleep - a foundational aspect of human health - is not simply a passive state of rest. It is an active and dynamic process that influences our cognitive abilities, emotional balance, and physical performance. During sleep, the brain undergoes essential maintenance and repair by consolidating memories and processing information. Sleep also plays a crucial role in regulating hormones, strengthening the immune system, and promoting tissue repair and growth. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can have a wide range of detrimental effects, including an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. 

Multiple research studies suggest that women may need more sleep than men. One key reason lies in differences in brain activity. Dr. Nagamalar Raju, an internal medicine physician and sleep medicine specialist at Piedmont, said, "Women's brains are wired differently from men's, and they are more complex." Dr. Jim Horne from the Loughborough University U.K. Sleep Research Center, added, "[Women] do a lot of things at once and will use more of their brain than a man will." As a result, their brains need more time to recover, leading to a greater need for sleep.

Sleep disorder specialist Dr. Michelle Drerup explained, "Women typically have more issues affecting their sleep, so they may need slightly more of it to make up for disrupted sleep or poor-quality sleep." The National Sleep Foundation reports that about 63% of women experience insomnia a few times a week, compared to 54% of men. Additionally, sleep apnea - which is often underdiagnosed in women - can further affect sleep quality. One study published in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep found that women experience deeper sleep than men but are more prone to sleep disruptions due to hormonal fluctuations, making it harder for women to achieve restorative sleep.

In general, women are about twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety or depression. Mental health and sleep are closely linked, but experts still consider the relationship a "chicken-or-the-egg" scenario, in terms of which comes first. Poor sleep can affect your mental health, but depression also makes you more likely to have trouble sleeping. According to the Sleep Foundation, of people with depression, 80% experience insomnia and 20% have obstructive sleep apnea.

For everyone, prioritizing rest is crucial. Lack of adequate sleep can lead to numerous health concerns, including increased stress and anxiety, higher risk of heart disease, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Dr. Horne added, "When you get less sleep, your higher executive function can be impaired. This is the portion of your brain which controls decision making and intellect. Our behavior as well as emotions are also managed in this area of the brain." Strategies such as exercising daily, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, reducing screen time before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques can help improve sleep quality. "If you still aren't sleeping well or if you feel tired regularly, speak with your primary care physician or [see] a sleep specialist," Dr. Drerup recommended. "Quality sleep is vital to good health, so don't hesitate to prioritize it."