Do women need more sleep than men? Here's what the studies say

It's a question that comes up often in sleep research — and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While popular headlines frequently claim that women need more sleep than men, the science tells a more complex story. Here's what the research actually shows.

The short answer

Some studies do suggest that women sleep slightly longer than men on average — by about 11 minutes per night, according to a large meta-analysis. But whether women need more sleep, or simply experience different sleep patterns and challenges, is a more complicated question.

What the studies say

A widely cited study from Loughborough University's Sleep Research Centre found that women may need more sleep than men because their brains are wired differently. Women tend to multitask more and use more of their brain during the day, which may require more recovery time during sleep. However, this research has been criticized for its small sample size and media oversimplification.

Other research has found that women are more likely to experience insomnia — up to 40% more likely than men — and report poorer sleep quality overall, even when total sleep time is similar. This suggests that the issue may be less about quantity and more about quality.

Hormones play a major role

One of the most significant factors in women's sleep is hormonal fluctuation. Throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone directly affect sleep architecture, body temperature regulation, and the likelihood of sleep disturbances.

• Menstrual cycle: Many women report worse sleep in the days before their period, when progesterone drops and body temperature rises slightly.
• Pregnancy: Physical discomfort, frequent urination, and hormonal changes make quality sleep increasingly difficult, especially in the third trimester.
• Menopause: Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most disruptive sleep disturbances women face, often leading to chronic sleep deprivation.

Sleep disorders affect women differently

Women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with insomnia and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Men, on the other hand, are more commonly diagnosed with sleep apnea — though women are increasingly recognized as underdiagnosed, partly because their symptoms present differently (less snoring, more fatigue and insomnia-like symptoms).

Social and caregiving factors

Beyond biology, social factors matter. Women are statistically more likely to be primary caregivers for children and elderly family members, leading to more interrupted sleep and earlier wake times. Mental load and anxiety — both more prevalent in women — also contribute to difficulty falling and staying asleep.

What this means for you

Rather than fixating on whether women need more sleep than men, the more useful question is: are you getting the sleep your body needs? The universal recommendation of 7–9 hours applies to most adults regardless of gender. But if you're a woman experiencing persistent sleep difficulties, it's worth considering hormonal factors, stress levels, and whether an underlying sleep disorder might be at play.

Practical tips for women's sleep health

• Track your sleep across your menstrual cycle to identify patterns
• Keep your bedroom cool to counteract hormonal temperature fluctuations
• Prioritize stress management and mental decompression before bed
• Speak with a doctor if sleep problems are persistent — especially around hormonal transitions
• Invest in breathable, temperature-regulating bedding such as natural silk

The bottom line

The evidence suggests women face unique sleep challenges — hormonal, social, and biological — that can affect both sleep quality and quantity. Whether or not women technically "need" more sleep, they often get less of the restorative rest they deserve. Understanding these factors is the first step to addressing them.

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