The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep each night for optimal well-being. However, a shocking 60% of women fall short of this amount.
Your body needs adequate rest and relaxation in order to maintain peak condition. Keep reading, and we'll tell you everything there is to know about sleep for women (and how you can start to sleep better each night!)
Key Takeaways
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Why Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?
There's an ongoing debate surrounding the sleep needs of men versus women. There are several studies exploring sleep differences between the two genders, and many point to the idea that women do need more sleep than men.
This is due to a few reasons.
Hormonal Changes
From pregnancy to menopause, the hormonal changes that women undergo can be taxing on the mind and body. Symptoms like hot flashes, cramps, and night sweats can lead to trouble sleeping, as well.
Hormonal levels can also fluctuate throughout the month due to menstrual cycles, which can also lead to tiredness and fatigue.
Social and Family Responsibilities
In many households, the woman takes on more social and family responsibilities than her male counterpart.
Juggling things like child care, scheduling, and household chores can be overwhelming and time-consuming, which may lead to sleep issues.
Research shows that multi-tasking is very mentally draining, as rapidly switching between tasks drains your energy reserves.
Mental Health
Mental health and sleep are closely linked. Poor mental health can lead to sleep issues, just as sleep disorders can lead to poor mental health.
Anxiety and depression are associated with sleep disorders like insomnia, and women are 2x more likely to have anxiety or depression compared to men.
Do I Get Enough Sleep?
You may be wondering if you are satisfying your R&R requirements.
In the midst of a hectic world, it's common for women to sacrifice sleep. If that sounds like you, it's time to evaluate your sleep patterns and bedtime routine.
Some studies have found that women fall asleep faster than men, which suggests that either women are more tired than men or that they need more sleep than men.
Disrupted sleep or poor sleep can be caused by:
- Hormonal changes, such as menopause, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles
- Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, nocturia, or insomnia
- Mental health conditions or anxiety disorders
- Age
- Daytime napping
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How Can I Improve My Sleep Hygiene?
Many women struggle to get enough quality sleep. So, what can you do to help yourself fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer?
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Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, which can make it difficult to fall asleep.
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Create a calming and relaxing bedtime routine, which can include reading a book, drinking an herbal tonic, following a skincare regimen, and spending time away from electronics.
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Spend time in the sun during the day to align your body's internal clock.
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Prioritize your mental health through journaling, yoga, or meditation.
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Limit your daytime naps to 10 to 20 minutes so you don't take away from nighttime sleep.
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Engage in regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.
If sleep difficulties continue, talk with your healthcare provider or a sleep specialist.
The Bottom Line
Studies show that women tend to sleep slightly longer than men (by about 11 minutes.) Mental health, hormonal changes, and frequent multi-tasking could explain the differing sleep needs between each gender.
However, it's important to know that each person is different!
Maybe you can get by with just 7 hours of shut-eye, or maybe you can't focus unless you clock in 9 hours of deep sleep. Take some time to evaluate your sleep health, and take the necessary steps to improve your overall sleep quality.
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People Also Ask
How many hours of sleep does the female body need?
The average adult should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, many women fall short of this goal, whether it be due to a health issue like insomnia or their lifestyle.
Do females need more sleep than men?
There's no definitive answer, though some research suggests that women do need more sleep than men. This is likely due to heightened brain activity, hormonal changes, family responsibilities, and circadian rhythm influxes.
Is six hours enough sleep for a woman?
No, six hours of sleep is not enough for most women or most adults. Getting less than seven hours of sleep each night can have negative effects on your health and wellness.
Why do I feel better with less sleep?
You may feel better with less sleep because your body needs less sleep to function. Everyone is different, and your body and mind may have different sleep needs. It's also important to note that sleep deprivation can affect your mood and brain chemistry, which can make you feel "better" sometimes.
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