Neurologists have revealed that women require more sleep than men due to their brains’ heightened activity and multitasking demands. Experts say these cognitive and emotional demands, coupled with hormonal changes, make adequate sleep crucial for women’s overall health and brain function.
Professor Philip Njemanze, Chairman of the International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training Centre at Chidicon Medical Centre, Imo State, explained that women’s brains are more active due to their ability to multitask. “Women excel at nurturing children, cooking, and chatting simultaneously, but this multitasking ‘superpower’ requires vast energy, which can lead to fatigue,” he said.
He further recommended intermittent naps during the day to help women meet their sleep needs. “Intermittent naps allow the brain to recover and create memories of prior experiences. This approach supports better brain health and overall well-being,” Njemanze added.
Research from the National Library of Medicine supports this view, indicating that women need an additional 11 to 20 minutes of sleep daily compared to men. Hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause further disrupt sleep, making adequate rest even more important.
A study by Duke University in the United States found that women suffer more health consequences from lack of sleep than men. Dr. Edward Suarez, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University, highlighted the psychological effects of poor sleep on women. “We found that for women, poor sleep is strongly associated with high levels of psychological distress, hostility, depression, and anger,” Suarez stated.
Neurologist Dr. Joe Akoma from Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital in Anambra State also emphasized the role of hormones in disrupting sleep. “Female sex hormones affect sleep quality and regulation. Fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause lead to sleep challenges that most men don’t experience,” he said.
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Dr. Akoma added that women’s natural tendency to overthink and their ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously increase their brain activity, making them more susceptible to mental fatigue.
Experts agree that prioritizing sleep can enhance women’s cognitive functions, improve mood, and prevent long-term neurological issues. Professor Njemanze emphasized the broader implications of rest, saying, “Simple lifestyle adjustments, like prioritizing sleep, can have far-reaching benefits. Balanced routines and sufficient rest are essential to mental health and overall quality of life.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. However, studies show that women need slightly more sleep than men to allow their brains to recover and repair from daily stress.
Experts urge women to recognize the importance of sleep for their well-being. “This is not just about feeling rested; it’s about maintaining brain health and preventing mental health challenges like depression,” Dr. Akoma said.
With research underscoring the unique sleep needs of women, neurologists are calling for greater awareness and practical steps to ensure women get the rest they need to thrive.