The Different Sleep Patterns of Women and Men

Did you know that women and men are likely to have different sleep issues?

Did you know that women tend to need more sleep than men?

According to the Sleep Foundation, there are important gender differences in sleep, so knowing them can help you better set yourself and others in your household up for a good night's rest. 

On Average Women Have More Sleep Disruptions Such As:

• Women experience insomnia 40% more than men,
• Women are more sensitive to noise when sleeping,
• Men tend to snore more than women, so a male sleeping partner may disrupt sleep in this way.
• Women spend more time in deep sleep but tend to have less quality and more fragmented sleep.
• Women are twice as likely to experience restless leg syndrome.
• Chronic pain is something women experience more so than men.
• Menstrual cycles can affect sleep.
• Hormonal shifts during pregnancy as well as menopause may disrupt sleep.
• Stress from societal expectations of managing as caregivers, home caretakers, and/or income earners can affect a woman's sleep habits.

Wow! That's a lot to contribute to a sleepless night!

So what can you do? Knowing is half the battle. So, take time to understand your body and your situation and then consider the following options to help you get a better night's rest.

Tips for How Women Can Sleep Better:

• If noise is the culprit, consider wearing earplugs or getting a white noise phone app or machine,
• If you sleep hot, keep your bedroom cooler, change your sleepwear, get a cooling mattress, sheets and/or pillows.
• Go to sleep at the same time each night if possible and wake up at the same time each morning,
• Meditation or deep breathing practices prior to bed can help,
• If you are sensitive to light, invest in an eye mask,
• If you experience insomnia, try to avoid napping during the day,
• Anyone can sleep better with regular exercise during your day (ideally not late afternoon or evening), specifically a high-intensity workout,
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, particularly in the hours before bedtime,
• If your partner snores, get an adjustable bed and, if they have trouble breathing, consider having them tested for sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea,
• Consider the stressors in your waking life, and work on ways to reduce them,
• If you still cannot sleep, talk to a health professional,

Sleep is important. Why not figure out how to get more of it?