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Experts have explained why women need more sleep than men

Experts have explained why women need more sleep than men

Kira Aronova Journalist

22 March 2026, 09:30

Experts have explained why women need more sleep than men — Experts explain why women need more sleep than men, stock photo

Women are more likely than men to experience sleep disturbances due to stress, household responsibilities and hormonal changes. Experts emphasise that the need for quality rest changes with age — from the period of active working life through to the menopause.

Sleep expert Deborah Lee spoke about this

Youth and career (20–30 years). At this age, the optimal amount of sleep is 7–9 hours. Regularly getting less than six hours of sleep a day increases anxiety levels and the risk of weight gain. Particular attention should be paid to sleep during pregnancy:

in the first trimester, the body may require up to 12 hours of rest;

lack of sleep in the third trimester increases the risk of prolonged labour and caesarean section.

The menopausal period (40–50 years). The amount of sleep required remains unchanged (7–9 hours), but its quality deteriorates significantly due to hot flushes, night sweats and anxiety. According to research from 2025, up to 60% of women in the menopause suffer from insomnia. In such cases, doctors may recommend hormone therapy to normalise the condition within 1–3 months.

Sleep after the age of 60. In post-menopause, sleep patterns change as sleep becomes lighter and the deep restorative phases are reduced. Women tend to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier, and the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep is often split between night-time rest and daytime naps.

General recommendations for improving sleep quality include avoiding alcohol and food immediately before bed, limiting caffeine in the evening, and adhering to a screen-free routine before going to sleep.

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