You Just Rest: Why Women Need More Sleep Than Men

A recent study that sampled 210 healthy men and women of middle age has found that poor sleep for women is associated strongly with greater levels of distress as well as feelings of anger, hostility, and depression. This is groundbreaking research on a few levels. At a glance, it’s easy to assume that men and women need the same amount of sleep to lead functional, happy lives. What this study seems to suggest is that women need a little more sleep than men. Not only that, but the study is also able to quantify the amount: Women need approximately 20 minutes more sleep on average than men. Why do women require more rest?

Functional Difference in Brain Use

It ultimately comes down to the way that male and female brains are wired. Just as your muscles get exhausted from too much movement throughout the day, the brain also becomes more tired the more it is used. The female brain is wired in a more complex manner than the male brain. Many women tend to multi-task more throughout the day than men do. This means many women are using more of the energy in their brains, which also means they need more time to recover when sleeping at night.

Health Effects of Poor Sleep

Sleep loss negatively affects the health of everyone, but there seems to be a huge effect on women. Typical effects of poor sleep on everyone include loss of focus, headaches, migraines, decreased libido, mood swings, and weight gain. In women, sleep deprivation can also lead to depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a decreased life span.

Getting More Sleep Is Better for Everyone

Sleep is an essential part of good health. Getting a good night’s sleep allows the body to recuperate from the stresses of the day, reset, and calm down. It’s important for everyone to get a good night’s sleep. This study just suggests that women on average require a little more sleep than men. So the next time you wake up before your wife, daughter, mother, sister, or friend, maybe give her a few extra minutes to get that sleep she may require before starting another busy day.