Here is Why Women Have Higher Requirement of Sleep Than Men

Sleep is important to maintain mental, physical, and emotional well-being. People continue to work from home despite renewed lockdowns and office closures. The increased anxiety and fear triggered by the pandemic, coupled with a lack of physical activity, is having a detrimental effect not only on our mental health but also on our sleep quality. However, women are hit the hardest, especially working mothers, as experts say women need more sleep than men.

A 2014 study published in the National Library of Medicine, Exploring Sex and Gender Differences in Sleep Health: A Society for Women’s Health Research Report, found that men and women have different ideal sleep times. It goes on to say that “women are 40% more likely than men to suffer from insomnia and restless legs syndrome” and that men sleep more deeply than women.

dr Sibasish Dey, ResMed’s head of medical affairs for Asia and Latin America, agrees with the conclusions of the study. Speaking to IndianExpress.com, he explains why women need more sleep than men, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and offers advice on how women can better manage their sleep cycles.

Why do women need more sleep than men?

“Several studies have shown that the sleep needs of men and women can differ slightly due to biological differences. How both women and men spend their days is a big factor. According to research, women and men devote different amounts of time to paid and unpaid work, professional and social responsibilities, and caring for the family,” said Dr. dey He went on to say that women get slightly more sleep than men, around 11-13 minutes longer, but men sleep much deeper. Women are more likely than men to get up in the middle of the night to look after family members. Sleep is most effective when uninterrupted.

“Also, women are more likely to nap during the day, suggesting that their total sleep time could be misleading. Napping during the day increases sleep time (number of hours of sleep) and makes nighttime sleep less restful,” he added.

Effects of sleep deprivation in women

On average, women need more sleep than men. The effects of a poor sleep cycle are also significantly more severe in women than in men. According to several studies, sleep-deprived women had a higher risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, stress, and mental health problems than sleep-deprived men. It can lead to confusion, exhaustion and lack of enthusiasm, all of which have a negative impact on productivity. Women may also have a harder time concentrating than men.

How much more sleep do women need compared to men?

While sleep needs vary from person to person, studies show that women need 20-30 minutes more sleep than men to make up for sleep loss due to lifestyle, fitness and health needs, tasks completed, and hormonal changes at each stage.

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source https://www.bisayanews.com/2022/01/22/here-is-why-women-have-higher-requirement-of-sleep-than-men/