However, one question that still raises many debates in the health and science community is whether women need more sleep than men? From hormonal patterns to brain wave functions and life responsibilities, studies have shown that women have a completely different sleep experience than men. Even though the sleeping guidelines appear to be the same, the truth in real-life biology is much more complicated.
In this comprehensive resource, we will discuss women need more sleep than men research and provide answers to frequently asked questions such as why do women need more sleep, do women need more sleep on their period, and is it true that women need 9-10 hours of sleep?
Why Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?
The notion that women need more sleep than men is not a myth—but it’s also not a simple yes or no. Scientific evidence indicates that women need slightly more sleep, primarily because their sleep patterns are more disrupted and complex.
Findings from studies on PubMed and Google Scholar indicate that women’s sleep patterns are more vulnerable to stress, hormonal fluctuations, and sleep deprivation. When women get less sleep, their bodies react in a different way compared to men’s bodies, which may need more time to recover.
This is why findings from studies on why women need more sleep than men often indicate that women need more sleep or have higher fatigue levels.
Hormones and Sleep: A Major Factor
One of the most significant factors that contribute to women requiring more sleep is the presence of hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that have a direct impact on sleep quality, body temperature, and the circadian rhythm.
Women have various hormone-related life cycles that affect sleep. These cycles include:
- Menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause and menopause
All these cycles can impact the quality of sleep, resulting in an increased need for recovery sleep despite the total number of sleep hours being normal.
Do Women Need More Sleep on Their Period?
Yes, many women do. Studies have found that the quality of sleep is reduced during the luteal phase (the phase before menstruation). The body temperature increases, the levels of melatonin secretion alter, and symptoms such as cramps, bloating, headaches, and mood changes make it difficult for women to have deep sleep.
This is why do women need more sleep on their period is a valid question that many women ask. Even if women do not have any medical conditions such as PMS or PMDD, they still feel sleepy during this phase.
Pregnancy and the Need for More Sleep
Pregnancy is one of the best examples of why women need more sleep. The body is working overtime to support the growth of the baby, the regulation of blood volume, and the changes in the levels of hormones in the body.
Poor sleep during pregnancy has been linked to:
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm labor
- Increased labor time
- Postpartum depression
Even though pregnant women need more sleep, they tend to have poorer sleep quality due to discomfort, urination, heartburn, anxiety, and restless legs syndrome.
Menopause and Sleep Disturbances
With the onset of menopause, the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels affects the sleep patterns of women. Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and the possibility of sleep disorders all add to sleep deprivation.
Women often complain of insomnia, waking up frequently, or waking up very early in the morning. This phase of life proves that women require more sleep than men, as research is context-dependent and not universal.
Brain Activity and Mental Load
Another reason that is often cited in research from the U.K. and is widely mentioned in the media is cognitive load. It is suggested that women tend to use more parts of the brain throughout the day because of multitasking, emotional processing, and caregiving responsibilities.
This does not mean that women are “working harder” biologically—but it does mean that their brains may need more recovery time during sleep, especially deep sleep.
This theory is often mentioned in women need more sleep than men Google Scholar.
Do Women Really Sleep More Than Men?
Interestingly, yes—but only slightly.
Big population studies have found that women sleep about 10 to 15 minutes more per night than men on average. But women also have more:
- Night awakenings
- Less uninterrupted sleep
- Insomnia and anxiety
So even if women do sleep more, the quality of their sleep is not as good, and that’s why they think they need to sleep more.
Mood Disorders and Sleep Quality
Anxiety, depression, and insomnia affect women more, and all three are interrelated with sleep disturbances. These disorders can cause delayed sleep onset, frequent awakenings, or non-refreshing sleep.
Undiagnosed sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea in women, add to the problem. Women with obstructive sleep apnea may have symptoms that are not typical for men, resulting in underdiagnosis and chronic fatigue.
Is It True That Women Need 9-10 Hours of Sleep?
Not necessarily. Most adults, regardless of gender, function best with 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep. However, during certain life stages or periods of high stress, women may temporarily need closer to the upper end of that range.
The key is how rested you feel, not just the number on the clock.
Why Do Females Need More Sleep Than Men?
Short Answer:
Women don’t necessarily need more sleep than men—but they are:
- More sensitive to hormonal changes
- More likely to have disrupted sleep
- More susceptible to the health consequences of poor sleep
These reasons account for why females need more sleep in different stages of life.
How to Improve Sleep Quality for Women?
Rather than concentrating on the duration of sleep, women can benefit greatly by enhancing the quality of their sleep. This can be achieved by making a few changes in their lifestyle.
Adopting regular sleep patterns, cutting down on the use of electronic devices before sleeping, managing stress, and creating a cool sleeping environment can all contribute to sounder sleep.
Conclusion
It is not necessary that women require more sleep each and every night than men. However, due to various reasons, women’s sleep patterns are often more disturbed. Due to this reason, women may require more sleep during some phases of their lives, like menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or during stressful phases of their lives.
Hormonal changes, mental workload, responsibilities of taking care of children, and vulnerability to sleep and mood disorders are some reasons that affect the sleep quality of women. Due to this reason, even if women are getting similar amounts of sleep, they may not feel refreshed.
Instead of concentrating on the number of hours, the best way to judge the quality of sleep is to see how refreshed and energized you feel throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do women require more sleep than men?
Women undergo more hormonal fluctuations in their lives, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Such fluctuations can affect the quality of sleep, making women more vulnerable to sleep deprivation and hence requiring more sleep.
Do women require more sleep during their period?
Yes, women do. Many women experience more fatigue during their period. Fluctuations in hormones, cramps, pain, and mood swings can affect the quality of sleep, hence requiring more sleep during this time.
Is it correct that women require 9-10 hours of sleep?
No, not necessarily. Most women require 7-9 hours of good sleep, just like men. However, during some phases of their lives or when they are under stress, some women may require more sleep.
Why do females feel more tired than males even after sleeping?
Female sleep patterns are often more disrupted because of anxiety, hormonal imbalances, caring for children, or undiagnosed sleep disorders. This can cause non-restorative sleep, even if the total amount of sleep is sufficient.
Do women actually sleep more than men?
Studies have found that women sleep about 10 to 15 minutes more per night than men. However, women’s sleep patterns are often more disrupted, which may be why they still feel more tired.
Do women require more sleep than men according to studies?
Studies from PubMed and Google Scholar suggest that women are more vulnerable to the effects of sleep deprivation and may require more sleep. However, the difference is small and depends on age, health, and lifestyle.
References
- https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/science-shows-women-need-more-sleep-as-they-process-information-5-times-faster-than-men/news-story/2ec5a1d0fecf0bece14496a0d19563ee
- https://branwyn.com/blogs/in-the-wild/women-need-more-sleep-here-s-how-to-get-the-z-s-you-need?srsltid=AfmBOorh5UNhldbC5g6JVuw94ScXj6cXx15YYDyWBlszf77dNJJqSSL-
- https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-health/blog/fact-or-fiction-do-women-need-more-sleep-than-men/
