Men Vs Women Sleep Needs
men vs women sleep needs

Updated at : 17-01-26 13:46:53

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? The Truth Behind Men vs Women’s Sleep Needs

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? The Truth Behind Men vs Women’s Sleep Needs

Sleep is one of the common biological processes that allows your brain and body to repair and recharge after hours of work engagement. Sleep is extremely important for your emotional well-being.

You must have heard that today, men and women, due to their present lifestyles, are getting less sleep. As a result, their sleep is being impacted severely.

The discussion of men vs. women’s sleep needs finds pertinence in today’s context. There is a difference in sleep between men and women.

This blog unfurls the discussion of the sleep requirements for both men and women alike.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

A sound sleep helps you in regulating your hormones and strengthening your immune system. Most importantly, it helps you improve your emotional mood.

The question that arises here is, how much sleep do you really need? Age is one big factor that affects sleep. Other than this, some other factors that decide your sleep hours, which include:

Even Harvard Health Publishing, in a study, reveals the fact that “some people need less than seven hours while others might need more.”

However, if you are an adult man or woman, you may need almost 7 or more hours of sleep.

Men Vs. Women's Sleep Needs: Why Women Need To Sleep More Than Men

Though there is a general opinion that both women and men need the same amount of sleep, different studies identify gender-based differences in sleep patterns.

Moreover, some studies suggest that women experience disruption in sleep. It is usually attributed to a combination of both biological and hormonal patterns and social factors influencing sleep.

So the question is, why do women need more sleep than men? Let’s dive deeper into the discussion:

Fluctuating Hormones

Your circadian rhythm affects your hormones. It is the 24-hour cycle, also known as the internal clock.

If your hormones change, it can drastically impact the sleep cycle and create sleep disturbances.

Women experience monthly hormonal changes with the menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy, and even breastfeeding.

The hormonal changes occurring with menopause end up disrupting the quality of sleep.

Higher Rates Of Depression And Anxiety

There is a normal relationship between mental health and sleep. If your state of mental health is poor, it will definitely impact your sleep quality.

Now that you are getting less sleep, it increases the chances of depression. As a result, you will likely have trouble sleeping.

A clinical study says that women are twice as likely to have depression and anxiety as men. Among people suffering from depression:

Increasing Sleep Disorders

This point finds significant mention in the discussion of men’s vs. women’s sleep needs.

Be it mental health, hormonal problems, or others, the fact remains that women are more likely to have sleep disorders. More importantly, the likelihood increases with age.

Some of the more pronounced problems that women face include restless legs syndrome. This tendency is twice as high in women as in men.

Tips To Get Sound Sleep

Now it is clear that women must have more sleep than men. However, the present lifestyle has stopped many women from becoming independent. It has completely toppled their lifestyle. Here are a few ways through which you can get enhanced sleep:

Reduce Blue Light Exposure

Blue light is emitted from electronic devices like computers and smartphones. The brightness of the light is not good for your eyes. You could wear blue light-blocking glasses to reduce exposure.

Stick To A Schedule

Fix your bedtime and wake-up schedule. It helps your body attain a routine. A routine of sleep helps you keep healthy, agile and more importantly, active for a long time. 

Deep Breathing

One of the great ways to enhance your sleep is by practising breathing exercises for 15 to 20 minutes every day.

Slow and deep breathing helps in the secretion of melatonin, which aids in promoting relaxation.

Bring Down Irregular Naps

Many people take short naps, believing they recharge themselves. Yes, there are unquestionable benefits to short naps. However, if you continue to take them irregularly, it can negatively impact your night’s sleep.

Avoid Late Dinners

One of the ways to enhance the quality of your sleep is to avoid late dinners. 

It ensures the release of growth hormones naturally. Studies also suggest that higher-carbohydrate meals four hours before bed help in faster sleep compared to eating just one hour before bedtime.