According to experts, healthy adults need 7–9 hours of sleep per day. However, research shows that women generally sleep slightly more than men.
Women don’t sleep more just because they want to or due to habit. The difference in sleep is caused by physiological characteristics and lifestyle factors.
Why do women need more sleep?
There are several reasons why women tend to sleep longer.
Hormonal influence
Women’s condition is affected by hormones that can determine the need for sleep. They do this by influencing the body’s circadian rhythms — the “biological clock.”
Higher risk of sleep disorders
Compared to men, women are more likely to experience insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and poor-quality sleep, leading to chronic fatigue. Possible reasons for this include differences in mental health between genders.
Women are also more prone to depression, anxiety, and various mental illnesses, which may contribute to the issue.
Excessive workload
A 2021 study found that 75% of unpaid labor is done by women. This includes caring for the household, family, and the medical needs of loved ones. Such workload often leads to stress and chronic sleep deprivation, increasing the need for rest.
Why is getting enough sleep important?
Sleep is essential for maintaining health and proper body function. It improves attention and memory, helps manage stress, maintains healthy body weight, and strengthens the immune system.
When a person sleeps, the heart works less actively, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, and obesity.
Additionally, sleep regulates hormone production. These hormones influence human growth, sexual maturation, and metabolism. Very short or light sleep can disrupt the balance of substances that affect appetite and mood.
How to improve sleep?
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Stick to a schedule — go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
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Relax before bed — avoid using phones, tablets, and other devices an hour before sleep. Instead, listen to music, podcasts, or try meditation.
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Avoid worrying thoughts — write down any troubling ideas or make a plan for the next day to clear your mind.
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Create a comfortable environment — silence, darkness, and coolness (18–20 °C) promote deep sleep.
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Don’t force yourself to sleep — if you can’t fall asleep, do a calm activity like reading a book, then return to bed when sleepy.
Experts say that getting enough sleep and getting quality sleep is important not only for your mood but also for your overall health.
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