Sleep | Health
Women are the Sleep Champions
Why Women Know How to Rest Better Than You
The world of sleep is fascinating, and women are the true champions of this world!
Did you know that women sleep an average of 20 minutes more than men every night?
That’s an extra 2 hours of sleep every week and 8 hours more in a month!
This piqued my curiosity, and I wanted to do a deep dive into the research.
Hoping to understand my anatomy better, I read a couple of scientific articles and found this information.
I am sharing my findings here so that the next time you or the women in your life are “oversleeping”, you know exactly what’s up!
Women’s Active Brains Lead to REM Sweet Dreams
Women have a more active brain — our brains are wired for multitasking, which means they are constantly processing information, even when they are asleep. This can lead to more intense and longer periods of REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep when we dream.
Men, on the other hand, tend to have more deep sleep, which is the stage of sleep when the body repairs and regenerates itself.
So, while men may be snoring away, we’re having epic adventures in dreamland!
This is why women need an average of 20 minutes more sleep than men every night according to a study conducted by the National Sleep foundation.
Fat’s the Fact: Women Have Got More of It
Firstly, let’s talk about the biological difference between men and women.
According to a study conducted by the University of Surrey, it was found that women have a higher percentage of body fat compared to men, which means they have a higher level of a hormone called leptin.
Leptin is responsible for regulating energy balance and appetite, and it also affects how much sleep is needed. Higher levels of leptin in women mean that they need more sleep to feel fully rested.
So, ladies, don’t feel guilty about that extra slice of pizza — your body needs the extra sleep to feel fully rested!
Women Sleep Better & Prioritize Health
Women prioritize their health and well-being, which includes getting enough sleep. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that women tend to prioritize their sleep and are more likely to make time for it than men.
In contrast, men often push themselves to the limit, trying to accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
But that’s not all!
Women are also better at relaxing and recognizing when they need to take a break.
They tend to be more in tune with their bodies and can sense when they need to slow down.
Men, on the other hand, often push themselves to the limit, thinking that they can handle anything that comes their way. This can lead to burnout and exhaustion, which can affect their sleep patterns.
It’s not just biology it’s also our priorities!
Sleeping Through Hormonal Changes
Studies have shown that during the premenstrual phase, the hormone changes can cause insomnia and other sleep disturbances in women.
And if you’re pregnant, you may need even more sleep to support the growth and development of your little one.
But don’t fret, ladies! Science has got your back.
Researchers have found that getting enough sleep during pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications during childbirth.
And let’s not forget about menopause — the time when women experience hot flashes and night sweats that can disturb their sleep.
However, with some self-care and lifestyle adjustments, women can still get the sleep they need to power through their day.
So, a big shout-out to all the ladies who are rocking the hormone game and getting their beauty sleep!
This is why women are the true sleep champions!
TLDR:
From our multitasking brains to our higher levels of leptin, we’re built to sleep better than men.
So, the next time you see a woman sleeping in, don’t judge her — she’s just doing what her body needs to function at its best!
Author’s Note:
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