Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men? Expert Settles The Debate!

In many homes, if a woman says she wants to rest more, she’s sometimes labelled lazy. But what if her body is asking for rest not because of sloth, but because of biology? The idea that women might need more sleep than men carries stigma, but it’s also one worth exploring with science and expert insight.

Sharing more clarity on the topic, Saloni, Nutritionist and Founder of My Femily Wellness, Delhi, explained why women’s sleep needs may differ. She breaks down why women’s sleep needs are different and why no one should feel guilty for hitting snooze.

Why Women’s Brains Need More Rest

 

 

 

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Saloni explains that women genuinely need more sleep than men. “In Indian society, this is called laziness, but it’s not true. Women’s brains do more complex multitasking, leading to more wear and tear of cells, which means extra recovery is needed at night,” she says. While men often do linear thinking, women’s brains are wired to handle multiple tasks at once. Science agrees as women use more brainpower for emotional processing, memory, and juggling daily roles.

Hormonal Fluctuations Make a Difference

• Hormones play a big role in how women sleep.
• Oestrogen and progesterone levels change with the menstrual cycle.
• Oestrogen drops before periods, often causing insomnia or restless nights.
• During pregnancy and menopause, women’s bodies need even more sleep to help them recover and adjust.

“Women experience constant hormonal shifts that directly affect their sleep patterns,” Saloni adds. That’s why many women need longer or deeper sleep on certain days.

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Emotional Processing and Deeper Sleep

Saloni also points to the emotional side. “Women are emotionally expressive. They process more emotional data daily. The brain sorts these memories mostly during REM sleep, so women need more REM sleep to regulate emotions.”

• Iron deficiency is another reason women may feel exhausted.
• Frequent changes in iron due to periods can trigger restless legs syndrome.
• Low iron causes disturbed sleep and extra tiredness.
• Women with iron deficiency need more rest, not less.

Saloni suggests a rough figure of 20 minutes more sleep per night might cover women’s extra needs. Some studies likewise support a small difference (~10–23 minutes). The exact number likely varies by individual, life stage, health, and lifestyle.

Still, that extra time can matter especially when sleep is already scarce in many households.

What Women Can Do

To honour this extra need, women can:

• Aim for 7½ to 9 hours, rather than just 7
• Prioritise consistent bed and wake times
• Address iron deficiency with diet or supplements
• Use stress-relief techniques like journaling and meditation
• Create routines that limit nighttime interruptions
• Advocate for rest and communicate your biological need instead of guilt

A study by Duke University and the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University found women do need more sleep than men due to greater brain activity, multitasking, and a heightened need for emotional recovery. The research concluded that lack of sleep impacts women’s mental health more than men's, causing more anger and depression.

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Conclusion

The science is clear: women’s bodies and brains have greater sleep demands, thanks to more multitasking, hormonal changes, and iron fluctuations. If you crave that extra shuteye, don’t feel bad, your body is asking for what it needs. Prioritising sleep isn’t laziness, it’s self-care backed by biology.