
Women need more sleep than men, but the difference is small, between 10 and 20 minutes per night. This is due to a variety of factors, including changing hormones, a higher risk of mental health issues, and sleep disorders. Women are 40% more likely to have insomnia than men and are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression, two conditions strongly associated with insomnia. Additionally, women's bodies go through changes that men's bodies don't, such as pregnancy and menopause, which can be physically taxing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difference in sleep requirement | Between 10 and 20 minutes per night |
| Physical changes | Pregnancy and menopause |
| Sleep disorders | Women are 40% more likely to have insomnia than men |
| Mental health issues | Women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression |
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What You'll Learn
- Women are 40% more likely to have insomnia than men
- Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression, which are associated with insomnia
- Women's bodies go through changes that men's bodies don't, including pregnancy and menopause
- Women are more likely to experience sleep disorders
- Women need more sleep due to changing hormones

Women are 40% more likely to have insomnia than men
Women's bodies go through various changes that men's bodies don't, including pregnancy and menopause, which can be physically taxing. They also experience changing hormones, which can affect their sleep. In addition, women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression, two conditions strongly associated with insomnia.
Sleep is vital for overall well-being, and getting less sleep than needed can adversely affect a woman's health and wellness. While the difference in sleep requirements between men and women isn't dramatic—between 10 and 20 minutes per night—it is significant.
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Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression, which are associated with insomnia
Women's bodies also go through various changes that men's bodies do not, including pregnancy and menopause, which can be physically taxing. For example, pregnant women may need 8 to 10 hours of sleep nightly, and they should get at least 7 hours per night after giving birth to recover from that experience and help prevent postpartum depression.
Hormonal changes may also be a factor, as women are more likely to experience changing hormones than men, which can impact their sleep. Additionally, women are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues and sleep disorders, which can further contribute to sleep disturbances.
While the difference in sleep requirements between men and women is not dramatic—between 10 and 20 minutes per night—it is significant. Getting less sleep than needed can adversely affect a woman's overall wellness.
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Women's bodies go through changes that men's bodies don't, including pregnancy and menopause
Women tend to need more sleep than men, with the average adult requiring at least seven hours of sleep per night to feel refreshed. The difference is not dramatic, with women needing between 10 and 20 minutes more sleep per night than men. However, this difference is significant, and getting less sleep than needed can adversely affect a woman's overall wellness.
Women are also more likely to experience sleep disorders, with a 40% higher likelihood of insomnia than men. They are also nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression, two conditions strongly associated with insomnia.
Hormonal changes also play a role in women needing more sleep. Fluctuating hormone levels can impact a woman's sleep quality and duration, contributing to the overall need for slightly more sleep than men.
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Women are more likely to experience sleep disorders
Hormonal changes can also affect sleep patterns. Women need slightly more sleep than men because of their changing hormones, as well as a higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders. Sleep is vital for overall well-being, and getting less sleep than needed can adversely affect a woman's overall wellness.
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Women need more sleep due to changing hormones
Women need more sleep than men, and while the difference is not dramatic—between 10 and 20 minutes per night—it is significant. Women need more sleep due to changing hormones, as well as a higher risk of mental health issues and sleep disorders. Women are 40% more likely to have insomnia than men, and they are also nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression, two conditions strongly associated with insomnia. Furthermore, women's bodies go through various changes that men's bodies don't, including pregnancy and menopause, which can be physically taxing. For example, pregnant women may need 8 to 10 hours of sleep nightly, and they should get at least 7 hours per night after giving birth to recover from that experience and help prevent postpartum depression.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, research shows that women need more sleep than men.
Women need more sleep than men because of their changing hormones, a higher risk of mental health issues, and sleep disorders. Women also tend to spend more time on unpaid labour, work and social responsibilities, and family caregiving.
Women tend to sleep slightly longer than men, by just over 11 minutes.











































