Gender differences in sleep requirements and quality

Research indicates that women, on average, require slightly more sleep than men at every life stage, with an average difference of approximately 11 minutes. While experts generally recommend seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, individual needs vary based on age, mental and physical health, and daily responsibilities.

Biological and societal factors contribute to these differences. Although women may spend more time in deep sleep, they are more prone to fragmented sleep due to conditions such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and chronic pain related to pregnancy or menstrual cramps. Additionally, societal gender norms and the disproportionate amount of time women often spend on housework and caregiving can impact sleep quality and habits.