When it comes to sleep, men and women are often not on equal footing. It’s no secret that women are more likely to report sleep problems than men.

According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, more than half of women say they frequently wake up feeling unrefreshed, compared to 44% of men. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 reasons why women sleep less than men.

1. Hormonal Changes

One of the leading causes of sleep problems in women is hormonal changes. Women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.

These changes can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle and result in difficulty falling or staying asleep.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women require more sleep than usual due to the demands of growing a baby.

However, many women report difficulty sleeping during pregnancy due to physical discomfort, such as back pain, frequent urination, and heartburn, as well as anxiety about childbirth and parenting.

3. Menopause

Menopause is a time of hormonal upheaval, which can cause hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. These symptoms can make it difficult for women to get a good night’s sleep, and many women report feeling fatigued during the day as a result.

4. Caregiving

Women are more likely than men to be primary caregivers for children, elderly relatives, or disabled family members.

These responsibilities often require women to sacrifice their own sleep to care for others, which can lead to sleep deprivation and increased risk for sleep disorders.

5. Stress

Women are more likely to report high levels of stress than men, which can lead to insomnia and other sleep problems.

Additionally, women may have more difficulty relaxing and winding down at the end of the day due to the demands of work, family, and social responsibilities.

6. Anxiety and Depression

Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression, both of which can disrupt sleep. Anxiety can cause racing thoughts and worry, while depression can lead to daytime fatigue and difficulty falling asleep at night.

7. Sleep Apnea

Although sleep apnea is more common in men, women can also develop this condition. However, women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for sleep apnea due to differences in symptoms and risk factors.

Sleep apnea can cause snoring, daytime sleepiness, and other health problems if left untreated.

8. Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially at night. Women are more likely than men to develop RLS, and the symptoms can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

9. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, are more common in women than men. Pain can interfere with sleep by making it difficult to get comfortable and causing frequent awakenings during the night.

10. Lifestyle Factors

Finally, women may also sleep less than men due to lifestyle factors such as work schedules, travel, and screen time. Women are more likely to work part-time or shift work, which can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle.

Additionally, women may spend more time on smartphones or other devices late at night, which can suppress the production of melatonin and interfere with sleep.