Sleep is important for everyone – but do women need it more than men?

This is the subject of constant discussion among researchers and medical experts, who evaluate the different biological factors that come into play.

Sleep expert, Dr. Wendy Troxel, RAND Corporation Senior Behavioral Scientist and B.S. clinical psychologist in Utah, said the idea that women need much more sleep than men is “often exaggerated.”

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Research has shown that the difference between men and women is “pretty minimal,” since women only need 11 to 13 minutes of extra sleep, Troxel told Fox News Digital.

In addition to insomnia, women are more likely to suffer from other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome, which can compromise sleep quality. (iStock)

“This exaggeration may push women to focus on a specific number of hours of sleep, potentially to the detriment of quality of sleep” she said.

“This is problematic because women are already twice as likely to suffer from insomnia as men.”

Dr. William Lu, a sleep medicine physician and medical director of Dreem Health in San Francisco, said women tend to sleep more than men — about 10 to 20 minutes more per night, studies show.

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“However, we don’t know for sure whether this is because women need more sleep or because men don’t sleep enough” he told Fox News Digital.

“If the reason is that women need more sleephormones are very likely to play an important role. »

“Ultimate self-care”

Troxel said she considers sleep “the ultimate care for women, but it is often the first thing sacrificed in the face of life’s many demands.”

Since women face approximately twice the risk of depression as men, it is especially important for them to maintain healthy sleep schedules to support their mental health and well-being, she noted.

It can be difficult for pregnant women to find a comfortable sleeping position, which can impact sleep quality, an expert said. (iStock)

“More broadly, quality sleep can promote brain health, relational health and general physical health, in particular by reducing the risk of heart disease“, said the expert.

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Good sleep can also help women better manage stress, maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen their immune system.

How much sleep is enough?

Sleep duration “depends a lot on each individual,” according to Lu.

“Get enough sleep to feel rested and refreshed,” he advised. “Too many people focus on the specific amount of sleep they need and not on how they feel after waking up.”

“As a general rule, women can aim to sleep around 7.5 hours per night.”

Studies show that women tend to sleep up to 20 minutes more than men per day. (iStock)

Dr Navya Mysore, medical director of online healthcare platform Nurx, suggested that men and women need around seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

“Too many people focus on the specific amount of sleep they need and not on how they feel after waking up.”

“It is difficult to determine exactly how much extra sleep a woman may need compared to a man, because many factors can influence sleep quality, such as stress levelssleep hygiene habits, exercise, diet and alcohol,” New York-based Mysore told Fox News Digital.

“If you have a better quality of sleep, you may need more than seven hours a night, compared to someone with a poorer quality of sleep, who will need more than nine hours,” she said. added.

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Troxel agreed that instead of focusing solely on sleep duration, men and women should be encouraged to “optimize all aspects of their sleep.” sleep health“.

This includes duration, quality and consistent sleep-wake patterns throughout the week, she said.

Sleep Problems Affecting Women

Women face more frequent hormonal changes, which Troxel says can lead to fragmented sleep and a higher risk of insomnia, especially during sleep periods. menstrual cyclespregnancy and menopause.

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“Approximately 60% of women suffer sleep disorders During the menopausal transition, these symptoms often go untreated, which can have a significant negative impact on quality of life,” she said.

Lu added that in the weeks before a woman’s period, she may feel increasingly tired and need more sleep.

A person with better sleep quality will need fewer hours of sleep per night, one expert noted. (iStock)

In the second half of the menstrual cycle (or luteal phase), progesterone levels increase, which can make women more sleepy and lead to poorer sleep quality, according to Mysore.

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Pregnancy can also cause difficulty sleeping.

“Many (pregnant) women have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead them to feel more tired during the day,” Lu said.

“Effective non-drug treatments for insomnia are available, and it is crucial to ensure these options are accessible to all women,” said a sleep expert. (iStock)

“There are also increased risks of obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. during pregnancywhich can influence the quality of sleep.

Menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, can also disrupt sleep.

“Approximately 60% of women experience sleep disturbances during the transition to menopause, yet these symptoms often go untreated.”

Both experts added that women who fulfill traditional caring roles and meet societal expectations while working may also contribute to sleep disruptions and increased stress.

Those who have consistent sleep problems should see a medical provider for recommendations.