If you've ever felt like you need that extra ten minutes under the covers more than your partner does, you're not imagining things. It turns out there may be a real, science-backed reason for it.
Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?
The Short Answer:
Both men and women are generally recommended to get 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. But when you look a little closer at the research, women often need — and benefit from — slightly more rest than men. On average, studies suggest women may need around 11 to 30 extra minutes of sleep per night compared to men. It's not a huge gap, but it's a meaningful one, and it comes down to a few interesting reasons.
Why Women May Need More Sleep
1. Busier brains need more downtime
Sleep researchers, including Professor Jim Horne from the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, have found that women tend to juggle more mental tasks throughout the day. Because women's brains are wired to multitask and switch between roles more flexibly, they use more of their brain overall — which can mean a greater need for sleep to recover.
2. Hormones play a big role
Life stages such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause bring hormonal shifts that can disrupt sleep and increase the body's need for rest. These natural changes can affect how easily you fall asleep, how deeply you sleep, and how rested you feel the next day.
3. Poor sleep hits harder
Interestingly, it's not just about quantity — it's about how sleep affects wellbeing. Research shows that a lack of sleep is more strongly linked to stress, low mood, and irritability in women than in men. In other words, when women don't get enough quality sleep, the impact can be felt more intensely.
4. Life admin adds up
Women are more likely than men to wake up during the night to care for others in the home — whether that's children, family members, or pets — which can chip away at sleep quality even if total hours look similar on paper. Add in the mental load of running a household, and it's easy to see why rest doesn't always come easily.
5. Sleep disorders are more common in women
It's not just about needing more sleep — it's also about getting good sleep in the first place. Women are significantly more likely than men to experience insomnia, and conditions like restless leg syndrome are also more common. Unfortunately, these issues often present differently in women, with symptoms like fatigue or low mood rather than the more "classic" signs, which can mean they go undiagnosed for longer than they should.
6. Menopause changes the game
Perimenopause and menopause bring their own set of sleep challenges. Falling asleep can take longer, deep sleep becomes harder to come by, and hot flushes or night sweats can disrupt rest just as you’re getting comfortable. If you're in this stage of life and feeling like your sleep has changed overnight, you're not alone — and there are things that can help, from breathable bedding to a mattress that helps regulate temperature.
Quantity vs Quality Sleep: Why Both Matter
It's worth noting that more time in bed doesn't automatically mean better rest. Some research suggests women fall asleep faster and spend more time in deep sleep than men — at least until menopause — yet still report feeling more fatigued. That's usually a sign that something is interrupting the quality of sleep, even if the quantity looks fine on paper.
This is why two people can both get eight hours and wake up feeling completely different. If you're ticking the hours box but still waking up tired, it's worth looking at what might be getting in the way — noise, temperature, an unsupportive mattress, or a mind that's still racing from the day.
What This Means for You:
If you've been waking up tired despite "getting enough hours," it might not be about how long you're in bed — it's about the quality of that sleep. And quality sleep starts with the right foundation: a mattress that properly supports your body, keeps you cool and comfortable, and helps you fall into a deeper, more restorative sleep.
A few gentle ways to support better sleep:
- Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends
- Create a wind-down routine — dim the lights, put the phone away, and let your body know it's time to rest
- Check in on your mattress and pillows — if they're past their best, they could be working against you rather than for you
- Make your bedroom a genuine retreat, not just another room on the to-do list
- Keep your bedroom cool and breathable, especially if hormonal changes have you running warmer at night
- Try to protect the last hour before bed as wind-down time, even if it's just for yourself
A Few Common Questions:
Do all women need more sleep than men?
Not necessarily — sleep need is individual, and plenty of women feel completely rested on the standard 7–9 hours. But on average, research points to women needing slightly more, particularly during certain life stages.
Is it just about hours, or does quality matter more?
Quality matters just as much, if not more. Getting eight hours of broken, restless sleep isn't the same as eight hours of deep, uninterrupted rest.
Can the right mattress actually help?
Yes. A mattress that no longer supports your body properly — or that traps heat — can be a major contributor to restless nights, aches, and waking up tired. If your mattress is more than 7–10 years old, it may be time for a proper check-up.
Ready for Better Rest?
Every body is different, and so is every sleep need. If you've been feeling like your sleep just isn't cutting it lately, our sleep specialists are always happy to chat — no pressure, just honest advice to help you find what works for you.
When did you last check whether your mattress is still supporting you the way it should? Maybe it's time now. Head into your nearest Beds R Us store to talk to one of our sleep experts about the mattress that best suits your needs.
Sources
1. Women's Brain Health Initiative — Women Need More Sleep than Men — https://womensbrainhealth.org/think-tank/think-twice/women-need-more-sleep-than-men
2. ResMed — POP QUIZ: Do women need more sleep than men? — https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-health/blog/fact-or-fiction-do-women-need-more-sleep-than-men/
3. Sleep Foundation — Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men? — https://www.sleepfoundation.org/women-sleep/do-women-need-more-sleep-than-men
4. Healthline — Do Women Need More Sleep? — https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/do-women-need-more-sleep
5. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center — Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men? — https://www.cchwyo.org/news/2024/february/do-women-need-more-sleep-than-men-/
6. Cleveland Clinic — Why Women Need More Sleep Than Men — https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-women-need-more-sleep
7. Clayton Sleep Institute — Do Women Really Need More Sleep Than Men? — https://claytonsleep.com/do-women-really-need-more-sleep-than-men/
