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World Sleep Day 2026: The Science Behind Why Women Need More Sleep
A good night's sleep is not as easy to achieve as it should be for many women. Hormonal changes, stress levels, caregiving responsibilities, and daily multitasking often affect women's sleep patterns. As the world celebrates World Sleep Day, experts are drawing attention to an interesting but little-known fact about women's sleep. Research suggests that women may actually need slightly more sleep than men due to biological and lifestyle factors.
We spoke to Dr Manas Mengar, Consultant Pulmonology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, who explained why women need more sleep than men.
What The Research Says
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that poor sleep may have stronger health effects on women than men. Women who had a lack of sleep were found to experience a greater level of psychological distress as well as inflammatory markers that are associated with heart disease and diabetes.
The research, which was published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, found that the impact of sleep deprivation on the mental and physical health of women might be greater.
Why Women Need More Sleep Than Men? Expert Insights
Dr Mengar explained, "Women need more sleep than men due to a combination of biological, hormonal, and psychological factors. Though the general advice for adults is that they need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, women might need a bit more sleep for their overall physical and mental well-being."
Higher Mental Load and Multitasking
One of the primary reasons women may need more sleep is related to brain activity and multitasking. Research indicates that women are likely to engage in higher levels of multitasking during the course of the day, whether it is related to work or other domestic issues. "This increased mental workload can lead to greater cognitive fatigue, which means the brain needs more rest during sleep to function optimally. Sleep helps restore cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making, which are heavily used during multitasking," said Dr Mengar.
Hormonal Changes Across Life Stages
Hormonal differences also play a significant role in sleep needs. Women have complex hormonal changes at different stages of their lives. These changes include the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. "Changes in hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can influence sleep patterns, sometimes resulting in sleep disturbances like insomnia or multiple awakenings. For example, during the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can bring about uncomfortable feelings or tiredness that can affect sleep patterns and the need for rest," added Dr Mengar.
Pregnancy and Increased Fatigue
Pregnancy is another period when women often require more sleep. The body undergoes significant physiological changes to support the growing foetus, which can increase fatigue. Hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and frequent nighttime awakenings can disrupt sleep, making additional rest important for recovery and overall well-being.
Higher Risk of Sleep Disorders
"Studies suggest that women report insomnia more frequently than men, often due to stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes. Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime fatigue, making sufficient and consistent sleep even more important," said Dr Mengar.
Mental Health and Sleep
Mental health issues could also be a reason why women need more sleep. Statistically, women are more likely to be affected by mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which are two psychological states that are very closely related to sleep patterns. A good sleep is required for mood regulation, stress control, and emotional strength.
Greater Sensitivity to Sleep Loss
"In addition, women's bodies may be more sensitive to sleep deprivation. Research has shown that when women get less sleep than they need, they may experience stronger negative effects, including increased irritability, reduced concentration, and higher levels of inflammation in the body," added Dr Mengar.
Bottomline
Dr Mengar concluded, "Overall, while individual sleep needs vary, biological differences, hormonal changes, and lifestyle demands often mean that women benefit from slightly more sleep than men to maintain optimal health, energy, and cognitive performance."
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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