What are experts' opinions on whether women require more sleep than men?

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

The debate among researchers and medical professionals continues regarding the impact of various biological factors on the discussion.

Dr. Wendy Troxel, a licensed clinical psychologist and RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist in Utah, stated that the notion that women require significantly more sleep than men is commonly exaggerated.

According to Troxel, the difference between men and women's sleep needs is "quite small," with women requiring only 11 to 13 more minutes of sleep, as research has shown.

Women may feel pressured to prioritize achieving a specific number of sleep hours, even if it means sacrificing sleep quality, due to an overemphasis on quantity, according to her.

"Women are at twice the risk of insomnia compared to men, which is problematic."

Dr. William Lu, a sleep medicine physician and medical director at Dreem Health in San Francisco, stated that women typically sleep longer than men by approximately 10 to 20 minutes each night, according to research.

He told Planet Chronicle Digital that although it's unclear whether women require more sleep or men don't get enough, it's a possibility.

"Hormones are likely to be a significant factor if the reason is that women require more sleep."

‘Ultimate self-care’

Sleep is the "ultimate self-care for women," but it is often the first thing to be sacrificed due to life's demands.

To support their mental health and well-being, it is especially important for women, who face about twice the risk of depression as men, to maintain healthy sleep schedules.

According to the expert, quality sleep can positively impact brain health, relationship health, and overall physical health, including decreasing the likelihood of developing heart disease.

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Adequate sleep can aid women in managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and strengthening their immune system.

How much sleep is enough?

According to Lu, the duration of sleep is "highly dependent on the individual."

"Focus on feeling rested and refreshed after getting enough sleep, rather than just the number of hours."

"On average, women should aim for approximately 7.5 hours of sleep each night."

According to Dr. Navya Mysore, the medical director for Nurx, both men and women should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

"Too many people focus on the specific amount of sleep needed and not about how they feel after waking up."

According to New York-based Mysore, it is challenging to determine the exact amount of sleep a woman requires compared to men because several factors can affect the quality of sleep, including stress levels, sleep hygiene habits, exercise, diet, and alcohol consumption.

"A person with a better quality of sleep may require fewer hours of sleep per night, around seven, compared to someone with a poorer quality of sleep, who may need closer to nine hours," she stated.

Instead of solely concentrating on sleep duration, men and women should be advised to enhance all aspects of sleep health, as agreed upon by Troxel.

She emphasized the importance of having consistent sleep-wake patterns throughout the week, as well as maintaining a high quality and duration of sleep.

Sleep challenges affecting women

During menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, women experience more frequent hormonal changes, which can result in fragmented sleep and a higher risk of insomnia, according to Troxel.

During menopause, around 60% of women experience sleep disturbances, but these symptoms are often left untreated, which can negatively affect their quality of life.

In the weeks before a woman's period, she may experience increasing fatigue and need more sleep, as Lu noted.

During the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels increase, causing women to feel more tired and potentially resulting in lower quality sleep, as stated by Mysore.

Pregnancy can also cause sleep difficulties.

Pregnant women often struggle with sleeping, which can result in increased daytime fatigue, according to Lu.

"Pregnancy can increase the likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, which can negatively impact sleep quality."

Symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, can also cause sleep disruptions.

"Around 60% of women experience sleep disturbances during the menopausal transition, yet these symptoms often go untreated."

Women who fulfill traditional caregiving roles and societal expectations while working may experience sleep disruptions and added stress, according to both experts.

Those experiencing consistent sleep challenges should see a medical provider for recommendations.