In the ongoing discussion about the differences between men and women, a new topic has entered the chat: Do men or women need more sleep?
There’s a belief that women require more Zzz’s, but is that really true? Generally, getting too little or too much sleep can affect anyone’s day, causing problems like mood swings, headaches and low productivity. Plus, not sleeping well over a long time can lead to serious health problems.
While everyone agrees that good quality sleep is important, people still argue about how much sleep is best. Most experts suggest that we should get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. But does that really work for everyone?
Is it true that women require more sleep than men?
A landmark study from 2013 indicates that the answer isn’t necessarily straightforward— it can vary based on life stages, hormones and individual biology. Still, men and women definitely have different sleep patterns.
According to reporting by The New York Times, researchers looked at survey data from over 56,000 adults in the U.S. When asked how they spent their time over a 24-hour time period, women said they slept an average of 11 minutes more than men the night before.
However, this doesn’t mean that women actually slept longer. The study clarified that the reported time included minutes spent trying to sleep, and women are much more likely than men to have trouble sleeping, according to Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
The study also revealed that women were nearly five times more likely than men to report sleep interruptions during the night because of caregiving, especially for children.
Dr. Christine Blume, a sleep scientist at the University of Basel, shared her views in a recent interview with Vogue: “The question of whether sleep needs to differ between men and women does not have a definitive answer with current research that is available.”
Blume points out that most sleep studies concentrate on how much sleep people say they get instead of looking at how much sleep they really need.
“When men and women were asked how much sleep they need, women reported needing about 12 minutes more on average, which is hardly a significant difference,” she explains. And interestingly, as we age, men usually need more sleep than women.
@drchizikeji Women actually do need more sleep than men! #sleep #sleepscience #doctor #doctorsoftiktok #sleepwoman ♬ original sound – Dr. Chisom Ikeji
Sleep and the Different Stages of Life
Age and life situations can greatly affect how long we get those 40 winks. Kids and teens usually require more sleep, while older adults tend to sleep less at night and may take naps during the day. For women, events like being a parent can cut into their sleep.
“Mothers, particularly of young children, often get less sleep as they wake frequently during the night to care for their kids— yes, even in 2025,” notes Dr. Blume.
Breastfeeding mothers face additional challenges, as their sleep rhythms are dictated by their baby’s needs.
Hormonal changes can also have an impact. Many women observe variations in their sleep patterns during their menstrual cycle. “The first phase of the cycle, especially around ovulation, tends to support deeper, more restful sleep,” says Blume. “However, sleep can worsen during the second phase, particularly for those with premenstrual symptoms.”
Menopause introduces another major challenge. “Night sweats and hormonal shifts during menopause can disrupt sleep, although research on this stage of life remains limited,” Blume points out, highlighting the historical neglect of women’s health in research.
Additionally, as women get older, they are more likely to experience sleep issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. According to Dr. Rachel Salas, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Johns Hopkins Medicine, many women with sleep apnea go undiagnosed because they don’t show typical symptoms like snoring or waking up suddenly feeling like they can’t breathe, which are more common in men.
How to Tell if You’re Getting Enough Sleep
It’s important to note that how long people sleep and how well they sleep doesn’t indicate how much sleep they actually need.
“Those aren’t necessarily the same thing,” Robbins said.
The National Sleep Foundation states that most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, experts explain that the right amount of sleep can differ for each person, so there isn’t one perfect number that works for everyone.
Robbins mentioned that using a smartwatch or a similar device to monitor your sleep can be useful to make sure you’re getting at least seven hours each night. However, she also advises that a good way to know if you’re sleeping enough is to pay attention to how you feel during the day. If you often feel really tired, it might mean you’re not sleeping enough or could even have a sleep disorder.
The Final Takeaway
Regardless of whether you are male or female, doctors emphasize that getting sufficient sleep is crucial for your health and well-being. While the exact amount of sleep each person needs can differ, the benefits of prioritizing good sleep are the same for everyone.
However, experts warn that if you believe you are getting enough sleep but still feel tired or struggle to stay awake, it’s important to consult your doctor.
