According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults ages 18 to 64 generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, and adults over 64 need 7 to 8 hours of sleep. These recommendations do not separate adults by gender.
But a number of studies have shown that women fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply than men. This may mean they need more sleep or are more tired in general.
It has been scientifically proven that women spend more time in bed. An academic paper examined Census Bureau data on more than 70,000 people. They kept a diary for 24 hours and took a survey of how many hours and minutes they spent on various activities such as sleeping, eating, working, driving.
Data collected between 2003 and 2007 showed that women slept an average of eight hours and 27 minutes per night, while men slept closer to eight hours and 16 minutes. The difference between them was about 11 minutes. According to the study authors, this is mainly due to work and family responsibilities.
Women are also more likely than men to report high levels of stress. This can lead to sleep problems. As a result, the woman can sleep for longer.
There are other differences in sleep between genders. Women are almost twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety and depression, and both conditions are associated with insomnia. Women are more likely to suffer from restless legs syndrome due to hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, while men are more likely to develop sleep apnea. But after menopause, the probability of developing sleep apnea in women and men becomes approximately the same.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that women who sought medical help for sleep problems were more likely to experience symptoms of depression, excessive daytime sleepiness, and problems with concentration and memory. For men, it was usually snoring.
Hormonal changes may also contribute to women experiencing symptoms that affect sleep.
News materials cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
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