Article

The truth comes out 

Katja Borger

This is a question I have heard being tossed around lately. Women seem to be the natural problem solvers, multitaskers, child barriers, and so much more. Everything in our genetic makeup seems to be geared towards being able to function on less sleep than our male counterparts. So, is it true that women need more sleep than men? 

The research 

Loughborough University’s Sleep Research Centre studied 210 healthy men and women to better understand sleeping patterns and the links between sleep deprivation and chronic diseases. 

The study found that women need about 20 minutes more sleep a night than men and that inadequate sleep in women (poor sleep and sleep-related problems) was associated with higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The reason 

Many reasons are thought to play into the reason women need more sleep than men. 

One of the biggest reasons is hormone related. 1 in 3 women struggle with sleep during menstruation.

According to Dr Sonia Davison, Jean Hailes endocrinologist, “women have a lot less testosterone than men and this level decreases from a peak at around the age of 18 years to a low level around age 65 years. Low levels of testosterone have been linked to lower energy levels, fatigue and reduced general wellbeing.”

Women are more likely to struggle with insomnia, which is difficulty falling and staying asleep. This can also result in heighten restless legs and sleep deprivation. 

The Solution 

It’s time you prioritize you! I understand for many women it’s hard to get the sleep they NEED. Try to learn more about your sleep habits. Perhaps melatonin vitamins or sleepy time tea is your jam. Disconnect from technology an hour before bedtime or maybe go to bed an hour earlier than usual. Whatever works for you, works! 

Reference: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/do-women-need-more-sleep-than-men#:~:text=The%20study%20found%20that%20women,disease%20and%20type%202%20diabetes.