Let Her Sleep In! Women Need More Sleep Than Men, Says Science
According to science, women need more sleep than men. Although we’re all humans and we all need a sufficient amount of sleep to function, science shows that women’s brains strain harder than men’s.
Sleep is crucial to one’s health. We need sleep because it allows our brain to take the time to repair itself. Professor Jim Horne, director of the Sleep Research Center at Loughborough University and author of Sleepfaring: A Journey Through The Science of Sleep, states:
“One of the major functions of sleep is to allow the brain to recover and repair itself. During deep sleep, the cortex — the part of the brain responsible for thought memory, language and so on – disengages from the senses and goes into recovery mode.”
According to Mr. Horne, the lack of sleep in women is strongly associated with emotional distress and psychological disorders. The more you do during the day, the more sleep you need. Your brain needs time to repair itself and recover. Why is sleep more important for women, though? As a male writer, I was genuinely interested in this topic. Science has confirmed that women have more complex brains than men do. Professor Horne explains that “women’s brains are wired differently than a man’s”. He says that they are more complex.
Men who do a job of important decision making need more sleep than one who does not. All humans, male or female, are told an eight-hour sleep is sufficient. However, if you have had a rough day, you may need more than that. If you have trouble sleeping, try some of these methods below. Each tip may not work for everyone because we are all different, but there are many different tips and tricks to try for a good night’s sleep.
- Routine sleep — Set a sleep routine, so the brain recognizes the need to slow down and relax. In this way, you will sleep much better at night.
- Avoid Stimulating Foods — Some foods act as stimulants, and you need to avoid these before you go to bed. This involves caffeine in coffee, theobromine in cacao or chocolate, and sugar. These stimulants affect your good night’s sleep and often lead to insomnia.
- Meditation — Women’s brain work non-stop, which is why many women have difficulty sleeping. Medication can be of great help, as it helps the brain settle and gets in a state of deep relaxation.
- Yoga — Yoga postures prepare the body for a good rest, which is why practicing yoga is often recommended to insomniacs. Try these 6 Relaxing Yoga Poses to Help You Sleep.
- Melatonin — Experts agree that melatonin helps you sleep better. Doses of 1-3 mg of melatonin work best, preferably an hour before bedtime.