WASHINGTON (7News) — A recent study indicates that while women generally get more sleep than men, they report lower quality of sleep, leaving them feeling fatigued despite spending ample time in bed. This research was presented at the 2025 annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.
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The findings suggest that various factors contribute to this discrepancy, including biological differences and life circumstances. Women often face interruptions in their sleep due to caregiver responsibilities, parenting, household tasks, and hormonal changes, which impact the restorative quality of their sleep.
Dr. Katie Ryder, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente, emphasized that these findings are not surprising. She noted that women might require more sleep to compensate for its lower quality. “It looks like maybe because the quality may be more compromised for women, then they have to make up for it in duration,” Ryder said.
Several elements appear to compound the issues with sleep quality for women. Hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause can disrupt sleep, as can heightened risks of insomnia and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are more prevalent among women.
Despite the extended hours in bed, these challenges often lead to more intermittent and less restorative sleep. Researchers have found that women continue to take on a greater share of unpaid caregiving and household duties, which can exacerbate sleep interruptions.
Experts stress that sleep quality is as crucial as sleep duration. It involves the ability to fall asleep easily, remain asleep throughout the night, and reach deeper stages of sleep—factors that contribute to feeling refreshed in the morning.
Improving sleep quality can often start with straightforward lifestyle changes, known as sleep hygiene. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily can help regulate the body’s internal clock. Ryder advises adults to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, tailoring this to individual needs.
Creating an optimal sleep environment can significantly impact sleep quality as well. Ryder suggests keeping bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet to minimize distractions. Blackout curtains, eye masks, and earplugs can aid in achieving this ideal atmosphere.
Furthermore, mental preparation for sleep is also important. Techniques such as meditative story listening, calming music, and mindfulness exercises can help quiet a racing mind at bedtime.
Chronic sleep deprivation can severely affect cognitive function, concentration, and even metabolic health. Ryder emphasizes the importance of sleep, equating a good night's rest to valuable self-care akin to therapy sessions. If individuals consistently get sufficient sleep yet still feel exhausted, consulting with a healthcare provider may be advisable to rule out conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea.
Ultimately, the research underscores a key point: while quantity of sleep is important, achieving quality sleep may be even more vital.