Women need more sleep than men, but many don’t get enough. | Bruce Mars on Unsplash
What you probably already know: Having trouble falling or staying asleep? It turns out that women need more sleep than men. Research shows that women typically sleep differently, with patterns that include shorter duration and deeper sleep. It also typically takes women longer to fall asleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes that hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause can influence sleep quality. Some sleep disorders, including insomnia, circadian rhythm disturbances and restless leg syndrome, are more prevalent in women as well. Insomnia often emerges at puberty and is linked to depression which often continues into adulthood. Shift work disorder is also more common in women, who tend to work non-traditional hours compared to men.
Why it matters: Writing in Katie Couric Media, Bayo-Curry-Winchell, MD, MS, says “the most powerful health revolution doesn’t require a gym membership, complicated meal prep or certain supplements.” Sleep, she notes, is more important, because it fundamentally changes how the mind and body works. The American Heart Association recommends that adults sleep seven to nine hours nightly but cites a Centers for Disease Control study that finds one-third of adults don’t get enough sleep, which increases the risk for heart disease and other medical conditions. She urges women to maintain a consistent bedtime routine, noting that she herself practices mindfulness, though she also says wearables could help monitor sleep patterns.
What it means: “Everybody’s sleep need is different,” sleep disorders specialist Michele Drerup PsyD, says on the Cleveland Clinic website, “and when it comes to sleep and your health, every minute counts.” According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 67% of post-menopausal women have obstructive sleep apnea, an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, regardless of obesity, as plaque buildup increases. CPAP therapy has been found to be particularly effective in improving sleep, especially after about three months. “Good sleep is an important determinant of life expectancy for women,” the site notes, adding that sleep disorders can become particularly pronounced in menopause.
What happens next: Most sleep research has focused on men, but as with lots of health issues that affect women, that’s starting to change. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes a sharp rise in scientific studies and data of women and sleep in the last decade. It cites a 2024 poll that says women get less sleep than they need. The group calls for. Education and awareness campaigns, including for sleep professionals and researchers, to take biological sex into account while designing clinical studies and analyzing data. As Drerup writes, “Not getting enough sleep significantly increases your risk for serious medical conditions. I challenge you to make sleep your primary health goal, even if it’s just a few minutes each night for the next year.”
