Mumbai Medical Expert: Women Require More Sleep Than Men — Here's the Science

Ever considered why women might feel the urge to sleep longer than men? Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Manan Vora, asserts this isn't just a matter of laziness—it's inherently biological. He highlights that women's bodies inherently demand more rest because of hormonal shifts.

In an insightful Instagram video, Dr. Vora elaborates that women typically need about 20 more minutes of sleep each day compared to men. This necessity links back to internal body cycles, particularly hormonal variations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These stages significantly impact how women journey into slumber and maintain their sleep.

Dr. Vora commented, “It’s 7 am, and I am preparing breakfast for my wife—who is still fast asleep. Did you know women require additional sleep compared to men? Generally, about 20 minutes more every day. Why? Hormones play a role. Periods, pregnancy, and menopause influence their sleep. It isn’t laziness; it’s biological.”

Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt women's sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep or leading to multiple awakenings throughout the night. Consequently, even after a typical eight hours, a woman may still feel exhausted. The quality of the sleep can affect her wellness, not just the amount she gets.

Experts emphasize that sleep is crucial for overall health. It aids recovery, enhances the immune system, and boosts mental clarity. For women juggling work, family, and personal life, inadequate sleep can result in fatigue, stress, and hormonal imbalances.

Dr. Vora suggests that society often misinterprets this need, causing many women to feel guilty for seeking more rest, fearing they might appear unproductive. However, science backs that women’s sleep needs are distinct and should be acknowledged. “That extra sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s essential,” he stated. “It’s a biological necessity.”

Sleep specialists provide guidance on gauging one's sleep quality. Dr. Michelle Drerup from the Cleveland Clinic advises that assessing daytime energy levels is a crucial indicator. “The optimal time to evaluate your sleep sufficiency isn’t immediately after waking up. Instead, observe how you feel later in the morning. Are you able to focus? Do you feel vibrant? That denotes proper rest,” she explains.

Dr. Drerup further warns that feeling drowsy right after lunch or facing concentration challenges might signal poor sleep quality. If these symptoms are frequent, it’s a cue to enhance sleep habits—like sleeping earlier, minimizing screen exposure before bedtime, and ensuring a peaceful environment for rest.

Research indicates that women experience sleep issues more often than men due to hormonal variations. During menstrual cycles, women frequently face discomfort, cramps, or mood swings that can hinder sleep. Pregnancy can also introduce interruptions like physical discomfort and increased bathroom trips, while menopause often brings challenges like hot flashes that disrupt peaceful sleep.

Given these shifts, health professionals advocate for women to heed their bodies and prioritize rest. Adequate sleep contributes to hormone regulation, mood improvement, and overall cardiovascular and brain health.

In summary, the consensus from Dr. Vora and fellow experts is unmistakable—desiring additional sleep doesn’t equate to laziness; it’s about seeking balance. “Getting the necessary sleep reflects a commitment to your health, not a sign of weakness,” Dr. Vora concluded.