If you feel like you need more sleep than your husband, boyfriend, or the other men around you, surprisingly, you might not be wrong!
For decades, scientific research has largely studied men. In turn, conclusions were generalized across both females and males.
But recently, more and more research has been exploring women’s health and how this differs from previous beliefs or generalizations. In fact, women’s circadian rhythms may actually run on a slightly different schedule. And women may actually need more sleep.
Why Do Women Need More Sleep?
Research shows that women’s circadian rhythms run on a shorter cycle than men’s. Women’s melatonin (the hormone that signals sleep) and core body temperature rhythms actually peak earlier in the night, which means a woman asleep at the same clock time as a man is effectively sleeping at a “later” point in her internal cycle.
This is also why women tend to wake earlier and feel more naturally inclined toward mornings.
On top of that, women face a lifetime of hormonal changes that directly impact sleep, including monthly cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Women are also statistically more likely to experience insomnia and sleep apnoea, particularly during the menopausal transition. As a result, women’s bodies often need more restorative sleep.
But between a career, family, and more, this might feel a bit out of reach. So, here’s how you can better prioritise that much-needed rest.
How to Prioritise Better Sleep
Many experts state that if there’s one thing you can fix about your health, it’s sleep. Poor sleep impacts mental function, mood, hormonal balance, immune function, and long-term brain and heart health. In other words, prioritising it is one of the most powerful things you can do for your well-being.
A few simple habits can help a lot! And yes, this means going back to the basics, such as:
- Aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep a night
- Keeping a consistent sleep and wake time, even on weekends
- Reducing screens and bright light in the hour before bed
- Creating a calm, cool, dark sleeping environment
Some people also find supplements, such as magnesium glycinate and L-theanine, helpful for winding down in the evening.
Physical discomfort, such as neck or back pain, can also make it harder to settle and stay asleep. If aches and pains are interfering with your rest, addressing them during the day may help you sleep more comfortably at night.
At Posture & Wellness, we help people manage musculoskeletal complaints, such as back and neck pain and poor posture, that may affect their daily comfort. If you’re interested in learning more, book your FREE discovery call with our team today. BOOK NOW.ody approach to help you feel your very best. This means looking at how the spine, posture, and surrounding structures are working together. Book your FREE discovery call with our team today. BOOK NOW.