Do women need more sleep than men? This is a common question addressed in various social media platforms, often suggesting  how women “use their brains more than men” or how their fluctuation in hormones causes their need for more sleep. The New York Times investigated this inquiry, but has not found evidence to prove that  women require supplementary sleep compared to men. 

However, many studies have shown that women are prone to needing more sleep than men. A study published in 2013 explored the differences in sleep duration for women versus men. In their study, the researchers included factors regarding labor, gender roles, naps, bedtimes, caregiving, and more, analyzing data from American Time Use Surveys of 2003 to 2007. Researchers found that the average difference in sleep was around 11 minutes, with women sleeping an average of 507.6 minutes and men sleeping around 496.4 minutes. 

A survey done by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in March of 2023 questioned 2003 people. They concluded that women are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, daytime sleepiness, and sleep problems during the night. This may affect memory and concentration throughout the day, disrupting simple, everyday activities. 

The Cleveland Clinic further explores this topic in an article relating to women’s sleep.  It expressed concern as it found that women are more likely to experience mental health disorders that disrupt their rest. Specialist Dr. Michelle Drerup expresses her concern. “Women are twice as likely as men to have anxiety and depression and both conditions are associated with insomnia,” she reported. According to the Sleep Foundation, 80% of people with depression experience insomnia, 20% have obstructive sleep apnea, and 15% have hypersomnia. 

Additionally, hormones may further disrupt women’s sleep schedules. “Women experience hormonal changes monthly with menstrual cycles and with major life stages, like pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause and menopause,” said Drerup. Menopause may disrupt women’s sleep patterns including differences in the amount of time it takes for one to fall asleep, spending less time in deep sleep, and developing additional disorders and chronic health conditions. 

Many factors go into the disruption of our sleep, but how much sleep does one really need? Harvard Medical School recommends infants get “12 to 16 hours of sleep, toddlers 11 to 14 hours, preschoolers 10 to 13 hours, school-aged children 9 to 11 hours, adolescents 8 to 10 hours, and adults at least 7 hours of sleep.” The amount of sleep an individual needs is determined by their genetics and age. These biological factors may determine how much rest one needs as well as their preference to stay up late or wake up earlier. Although internal clocks vary between individuals, there are still many ways one may ensure a good night’s rest. 

The Mayo Clinic suggests that people should stick to a regular sleep schedule, avoid heavy meals a couple hours before bedtime, create an environment for good quality sleep (for example, a dark and quiet room), limit daytime naps, increase physical activity, manage stress, and identify and treat disorders regarding mental health. 

Sleep varies significantly between individuals due to factors such as age, lifestyle, genetics, and health conditions. While some people thrive on just a few hours of rest, others need more to function optimally, highlighting the importance of personalized sleep needs. Ultimately, prioritizing adequate and quality sleep is essential for maintaining overall well-being, cognitive function, and emotional balance.