Mumbai Expert Highlights Women's Sleep Needs: 20 Minutes More Than Men

Post by : Saif Nasser

Ever questioned why women often crave more sleep than men? A Mumbai doctor argues it’s not a matter of laziness—it's rooted in biology. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Manan Vora emphasized that hormonal fluctuations significantly impact women's need for rest.

In an Instagram video, Dr. Vora stated that on average, women require roughly 20 minutes more sleep each day than their male counterparts. This additional rest is linked to hormonal cycles that frequently shift during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, which affect how women both fall asleep and maintain their sleep.

“It’s 7 am, and I’m preparing breakfast for my wife—she’s still asleep. Did you know women need more sleep than men? On average, about 20 minutes more every day. Why? Hormones. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause disrupt their sleep patterns. This isn’t laziness; it’s how biology operates,” Dr. Vora stated.

These hormonal changes disrupt women’s sleep by complicating their ability to fall asleep or causing multiple awakenings throughout the night. Therefore, even if a woman gets the standard eight hours, she might not feel fully rested or rejuvenated. Dr. Vora asserted that the concerns stem from sleep quality rather than mere quantity.

Health experts universally acknowledge sleep's critical role in overall well-being. It facilitates bodily repair, sustains the immune system, and enhances cognitive sharpness. For women managing the demands of work, family, and personal responsibilities, inadequate sleep can lead to exhaustion, stress, and even hormonal disturbances.

Dr. Vora indicated that societal misconceptions surround this necessity, leading women to feel remorseful for desiring more rest, mistakenly equating it with laziness or low productivity. However, research underscores that women’s sleep requirements differ and deserve acknowledgment. “That extra sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a biological necessity,” he stressed.

Sleep specialists also provide insight into knowing if you’re adequately rested. According to Dr. Michelle Drerup from the Cleveland Clinic, it’s not merely about the number of sleep hours but also about daytime sensations. Evaluating energy levels later in the morning can be a better indicator of sleep quality.

“The prime time to assess whether you’ve had enough sleep isn’t immediately post-waking but later in the morning. Can you concentrate? Do you feel invigorated? That signifies good rest,” she noted.

Dr. Drerup also warned that feelings of drowsiness after lunch or difficulties with focus could signal insufficient sleep. If this occurs often, it’s a cue to adopt healthier sleep habits, like going to bed earlier, minimizing screen time before sleep, and establishing a serene sleeping environment.

Studies have visibly indicated that women are more prone to sleep disturbances due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, many women endure discomfort, cramps, or mood shifts during their menstrual cycles that can interrupt sleep. Pregnancy often brings its challenges, such as bodily discomfort and frequent urination. Meanwhile, menopause introduces hot flashes and night sweats, further complicating the pursuit of restful sleep.

Given these challenges, health professionals urge women to heed their bodies' signals and prioritize rest. Healthy sleep routines aid in hormone regulation, mood stabilization, and maintaining heart and brain wellness.

As echoed by Dr. Vora and fellow specialists, the takeaway is straightforward—women aren’t lazy for requiring extra sleep. Their bodies need more time to recuperate and find equilibrium. “Prioritizing sleep is not a symptom of fragility,” Dr. Vora summarized. “It’s an essential aspect of caring for one’s health.”