Women’s Brains Work Differently Research indicates that women’s brains are more active throughout the day, especially in multitasking and problem-solving. This increased brain activity may require extra sleep for proper recovery and repair.
Hormonal Fluctuations Impact Sleep Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can affect sleep quality. Women may experience more frequent awakenings, insomnia, and lighter sleep, which may increase their need for additional rest.
Women Experience More Sleep Disorders Conditions like insomnia and restless leg syndrome are more common in women, leading to fragmented sleep. Poor sleep quality may necessitate longer sleep durations to feel fully rested.
The Role of Stress and Mental Load Women often take on higher emotional and mental loads, such as caregiving and household management. This added stress can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, increasing the need for longer rest periods.
Studies Show Women Sleep Longer On average, women sleep about 11–13 minutes longer per night than men. However, despite sleeping longer, they may not always feel as well-rested due to more interruptions and lighter sleep patterns.
Quality Matters More Than Quantity While women may need more sleep, quality is just as important. Good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime, reducing screen time, and managing stress, can improve sleep efficiency for both men and women.