Move over the wage gap, there’s a new gender problem.
Research confirms what many women already know – they are more tired than men, who reportedly sleep less.
For women, the “gender sleep gap” results in lower sleep quality, more disruption and more insomnia for several reasons.
Several studies have found a discrepancy between the amount and quality of sleep that men and women get each night.
A 2017 study found that only 48% of mothers under the age of 45 get at least seven hours of sleep, while 62% of women without children report the same.
Most recently, a 2025 global report from Sleep Cycle reported that 57% of women woke up in an average state – nearly three points lower than men.
Although the difference may not seem great, women often suffer from insomnia due to a combination of biological and social factors, according to Dr. Alex Dimitrio, a board certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician.
“Hormonal changes throughout the life cycle, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause all play a large role in disrupting sleep patterns and sleep quality,” Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told The Post.
He added that women tend to carry more caregiving responsibilities, which can lead to increased anxiety and difficulty breathing at night.
But here’s the kicker – women actually need more sleep than the universally recommended seven to nine hours.
Studies have shown that women need anywhere from six to 28 minutes of sleep each night, although the exact reasons why are unclear.
“Another view is that women tend to multitask more often,” explains Dimitrio. “As a result, the brain needs more time to recover and perform essential maintenance during deep sleep.”
Women also tend to take on more housework, from cooking and cleaning to childcare, which can contribute to sleep deprivation.
And since hormones play an important role in sleep, the various changes that women experience may explain the need for more sleep during the day.
However, beyond the afternoon nap, Dimitriu says the basics of sleep hygiene still apply to catch some ZZZs.
He suggests wearable technology such as Oura rings can help track sleep and monthly cycles, while creating a good sleep environment with a cool, dark room can also make rest easier to achieve.
Women can also benefit from a more targeted approach.
“This includes tracking sleep patterns in relation to hormonal cycles and being particularly interested in stress management, including quiet time before bed and a journal to calm the mind,” said Dimitriu. It also helps to understand that their sleep needs can change every month and plan accordingly.
