Multiple studies have been conducted and results have yielded that men and women sleep differently from each other. Expectations when it comes to sleeping differ greatly between how a woman sleeps and how a man sleeps. There are many variables that play along into how diverse sleeping is between men and women, and it is important to understand why they differ and what the reasoning is behind each difference.
How Sleep Occurs
To start the basics off, men and women have many differences in their sleep patterns. The most basic difference is that the circadian rhythms are different. Circadian rhythms can be defined as the “physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle.” Men’s circadian rhythms are known to be slightly longer than women are. Many women tend to be morning birds and many men tend to be night owls. Even though women feel more energized and awake during the day and sleepier at night, they have more difficulty falling asleep and getting the sleep they need from going to bed early. Oftentimes, this is the result of too many responsibilities that can cause women to not be able to go to sleep when their bodies tell them it is bedtime. Even though it is more common for women to have a harder time falling asleep at night, men have trouble also. If you personally find yourself having trouble falling asleep at night, contact a local sleep study doctor.
Sleeping Disorders for Men and Women
Women are more likely than men to experience any type of sleep disorder. Mostly, this is caused by the hormonal changes that women’s bodies go through in their life. However, women are more likely than men to experience insomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is found to be more common among young men than it is in women. Although there are no specific reasons known for this, some researchers suggest that it has something to do with the differences in the upper airway and hormones between men and women. Iron level changes, Restless Leg Syndrome, Insomnia, and mental health concerns should all be discussed with your doctor. Visit a Jax Sleep Center for more information on sleeping disorders in men and women.
The Middle Ground
Ideally, men and women need to get around 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. However, in recent studies, it has been found that because women tend to use their prefrontal cortex more for multitasking and having shorter circadian rhythms than men, they need more sleep than the average Joe. Both men and women can suffer from the same sleeping disorders, intrusive thoughts from mental illness, and responsibilities, which in turn, can cause a lack of sleep in men and women. When counting naps though, women do tend to get more sleep each day than men do.
If you find yourself with any questions, visit a sleep center in Jacksonville to get to the bottom of your sleeping habits.
