Differences in sleep average between men and women

Do women need more sleep than men?

Research has shown that gender affects sleep. Hormones, anatomy, and other physiological differences between men and women can affect how they sleep and the likelihood of experiencing some sleep problems. Although sleep patterns are influenced by numerous factors, it is helpful to know how gender can play a role.

 

Men spend less time in deep sleep!

Women are more inclined to sleep and spend more time in the deep sleep phase and Rapid eye movement sleep (REM) than men. In general, the difference in sleep quality is more pronounced between the ages of 30_ 40, because men spend less time in deep sleep and fast sleep. It also causes changes for many menopausal women because they spend less time in deep sleep and it takes longer to fall asleep.

 

Women experience more sleep problems!

Despite the availability of more technology to provide quality sleep, women report sleep problems and are approximately 40% more likely than men to suffer from insomnia. Women generally suffer from overactive bladder syndrome, which can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom, resulting in sleep disturbances and even chronic insomnia. Changes in a woman's reproductive cycle may also contribute to poor sleep quality.

 

Women's reproductive cycle causes sleep problems!

Sleep problems related to muscle cramps, bloating, and headaches affect about one-third of women before or during menstruation. Restlessness, frequent going to the bathroom at night, fetal movements, and many sleep disorders such as Restless Legs Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea can disrupt women's sleep during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Night sweats, fluctuating hormone levels, and other menopausal changes can also increase the risk of sleep disorders.

 

 

 

Men may be more vulnerable to sleep disorders!

One study found that external stress during sleep had a stronger negative effect on men's sleep quality compared to women. Some researchers have found that women have evolved to manage perfectly the stress of sleep disorders because they have always needed vigilance to care for their children. In men, too high or too low testosterone levels can also affect their sleep.

 

Women have a shorter circadian rhythm!

On average, women have a circadian rhythm that is about six minutes shorter than men. The circadian rhythm is responsible for maintaining the sleep-wake cycle day and night based on environmental cues. Because of the shorter cycle, women naturally tend to go to bed early and wake up earlier and are more commonly known as morning people. When women go to bed later than their biological clock, they may have trouble falling asleep, their bodies telling them to wake up earlier and therefore sleepless.

 

Women are more likely to be sleepless!

Women are more prone to insomnia, which is directly related to anxiety, depression, and chronic illness. For some women, insomnia may be a complication of anxiety and depression because these mood disorders are also more common in women.