Mumbai Physician Highlights Women’s Greater Sleep Needs — Supported by Science

Have you ever questioned why women might need more sleep than men? According to Dr. Manan Vora, a Mumbai orthopaedic surgeon, this difference is rooted in biology rather than laziness. He explains that women’s bodies inherently require additional rest, influenced by hormonal shifts.

In an Instagram video, Dr. Vora mentioned that, on average, women need about 20 minutes more sleep each day compared to men. This necessity is linked to internal biological cycles, particularly hormonal changes that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. He noted that these phases can impact both the process of falling asleep and the ability to stay asleep.

Dr. Vora remarked, “It’s 7 am, I’m preparing breakfast for my wife — she’s still asleep. Did you know that women need more sleep than men? Generally, they require about 20 minutes more daily. Why is that? Hormones. Periods, pregnancy, and menopause affect their sleep. It’s not about laziness. It’s simply how the body operates.”

Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt sleep patterns, complicating the ability to drift off or causing nighttime awakenings. Consequently, even if women achieve the standard eight hours of sleep, they may still feel fatigued. Dr. Vora emphasized that the quality of sleep, not just its duration, plays a critical role in how rested one feels.

Experts concur that sleep is crucial for overall health, aiding the body in its repair processes, bolstering the immune system, and enhancing cognitive focus. For women juggling work, family, and personal commitments, inadequate sleep can lead to tiredness, stress, and potential hormonal imbalances.

Dr. Vora pointed out that societal perceptions often misconstrue this need. Many women may feel guilty for seeking additional rest, worried it makes them appear lazy or unproductive. However, scientific evidence affirms that women’s sleep necessities are distinct and worthy of acknowledgment. “That extra sleep isn’t a luxury,” he said. “It’s a biological requirement.”

Sleep specialists have also highlighted indicators of adequate rest. Dr. Michelle Drerup from the Cleveland Clinic advises evaluating daily energy levels rather than merely counting sleep hours. “The ideal time to assess your sleep sufficiency isn’t immediately upon waking,” she said. “Check-in on how you’re feeling later in the morning. Are you focused? Do you feel energetic? That reflects good rest.”

She also cautioned that persistent feelings of drowsiness post-lunch or difficulties in concentration may signal inadequate sleep. Regular occurrences of these symptoms should prompt improvements in sleep habits, such as going to bed earlier, minimizing screen exposure pre-sleep, and fostering a tranquil sleep environment.

Extensive research indicates women are more susceptible to sleep disturbances linked to hormonal changes. These can manifest as discomfort, cramps, or mood alterations during menstrual cycles, physical unease and frequent urination during pregnancy, and challenges such as hot flashes during menopause.

Given these variations, health professionals advocate that women prioritize rest. Quality sleep is essential for hormonal regulation, mood stabilization, and cardiovascular and cognitive health.

In summary, the takeaway from Dr. Vora and other experts is straightforward — women aren’t unproductive if they seek a bit more sleep. Their bodies simply require extra time for recovery and balance. “Ensuring adequate sleep is not a sign of frailty,” Dr. Vora concluded. “It’s a testament to self-care.”