It is commonly believed that everyone should get around eight hours of sleep per night, but recent studies have shown that the amount of sleep needed varies depending on age and gender.

In particular, aging men tend to sleep less while young women sleep more. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this.

Why Aging Men Sleep Less

As men age, their circadian rhythm, the internal clock that controls the sleep-wake cycle, starts to change. This means that the brain doesn’t signal the body to sleep as much as it used to.

Additionally, older men are more likely to have health problems that can interfere with sleep, such as sleep apnea and chronic pain. These conditions make it difficult for men to stay asleep throughout the night.

Aging men also tend to have higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can affect their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

This is because cortisol levels typically rise in the morning to help people wake up and stay alert, but in older men, cortisol levels may remain elevated throughout the day and night, interfering with sleep.

Finally, some studies suggest that aging men need less sleep than they used to.

For example, a study published in the journal Sleep found that men in their 80s slept an average of 6.7 hours per night, while men in their 20s slept an average of 7.6 hours per night. These findings suggest that older men may not require as much sleep as younger men.

Why Young Women Sleep More

Women, on the other hand, tend to require more sleep than men, especially when they are young.

While the exact reason for this is not known, researchers have suggested that it may be due to the extra demands on a woman’s body during puberty and adolescence. Hormonal changes during these times can affect sleep, causing girls to need more of it to feel rested.

Another reason why young women need more sleep may be related to their higher overall activity levels.

Girls tend to participate in more extracurricular activities and sports than boys of the same age, which can lead to greater fatigue and a greater need for sleep.

Finally, some studies suggest that women are more likely to experience certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome, which can disrupt sleep and make it more difficult to get the rest they need.

What Can You Do to Get Better Sleep?

Regardless of age or gender, there are several things that everyone can do to improve their sleep:.

Stick to a schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine: These substances can interfere with sleep and make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. Use blackout curtains and earplugs if necessary.

Get regular exercise: Physical activity can improve sleep quality and duration, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.

Avoid electronic devices before bedtime: The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, and laptops can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.

Conclusion

Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, but the amount of sleep needed can vary depending on age and gender. Aging men tend to sleep less, while young women tend to sleep more.

By understanding the reasons behind these differences, we can take steps to improve our sleep habits and get the rest we need.