The Gender Gap (Sleep Edition)

in Aug 14, 2024
Welcome to the ultimate battle of the sexes—sleep edition! When it comes to sleep, men and women aren’t quite the same (surprise, surprise). If you've ever wondered why your partner can snooze like a log while you’re up counting sheep, or vice versa, it’s not just in your head. Science has a lot to say about how our biology, hormones, and lifestyles play a role in how much shut-eye we actually need. So, buckle up and get ready to optimize your sleep, crush your day, and maybe, just maybe, one-up your partner in the sleep department.
Men vs. Women Sleep Needs

The Sleep Need Gender Gap

Let’s cut to the chase—women generally need more sleep than men. Yep, you heard that right. On average, women require about 20 minutes more sleep per night than their male counterparts. While that may not sound like much, those extra minutes can make the difference between feeling like a groggy zombie or a fully charged superhuman.

But do women require more sleep than men? The answer lies in the brain. Women’s brains are wired to multitask (hello, superpower!) and as a result, they tend to use more mental energy throughout the day. This increased brain activity requires more sleep to recover. Furthermore, the hormonal rollercoaster that women experience due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause also contributes to this increased need for rest.

4 MAIN CAUSES

Why Do Women Need More Zs?

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Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones... Again

Women experience regular hormonal changes throughout different stages of life (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause). As most women will acknowledge, these can have quite the impact on your life - and sleep doesn't escape those disruptions. Hormone fluctuations can disrupt sleep patterns, making quality rest even more essential. Even within one menstrual cycle, the way women sleeps differs from during every phase (we'll double click on that in a separate blogpost later)

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Higher Brain Activity

Are Men Just More Braindead?

Studies show that women’s brains tend to be more active than men’s, especially when it comes to multitasking and processing emotions. This increased mental load means women need more sleep to recover.

So you could basically say women actually use their brain more - hey that's science saying that, not us.
Sorry gents.

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Greater Emotional Processing

An Emotional Rollercoaster

Women are generally more emotionally expressive, which requires more brain power. Processing and managing emotions, especially in high-stress situations, can be mentally exhausting, necessitating additional sleep for recovery.

This especially shows in the higher REM sleep found in women - which is linked to emotional processing while men tend to have a bit more deep sleep (which is linked to physical recovery),

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Increased Risk of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia Is A She

Generally speaking, women are more prone to insomnia and other sleep disorders, partly due to the already mentioned hormonal changes they experience. More sleep helps mitigate the impact of these disorders and promotes overall well-being. Meaning they need a bit more rest to get to the same restorative level as their counterparts not plagued with disorders.

Optimize Your Sleep

Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Men and Women

So, how do you take this knowledge and turn it into actionable steps that will have you sleeping like a baby? Let’s dive into some science-backed strategies tailored for both men and women.

For the Ladies: How to Catch Those Extra Zzz's

  1. Sync with Your Cycle: If your sleep goes haywire during certain times of the month, it’s not just bad luck. Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can impact sleep quality. Aim to get those extra 20 minutes during your luteal phase (the week before your period) when sleep disturbances are most common.
  2. Create a Relaxation Ritual: Women are more likely to suffer from anxiety and stress, which can keep you up at night. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga before bed. Trust me, your racing mind will thank you.
  3. Supplement Smartly: Women can benefit from supplements like magnesium bisglycinate, which is a key ingredient in the all-natural 8hours sleep and recovery supplement. This form of magnesium is highly absorbable and known for its calming effects. Pair it with the L-theanine and apigenin found in 8hours, and you’ve got yourself a dream team to help ease into a restful slumber.

For the Gents: Sleep Like a (Healthy) Log

  1. Combat Sleep Apnea: If you’re a heavy snorer, it might be more than just an annoyance to your partner. Sleep apnea is a common issue among men and can seriously mess with your sleep quality. Consider getting tested and, if needed, explore options like CPAP therapy or lifestyle changes such as weight loss.
  2. Optimize Testosterone Levels: Keeping your testosterone levels healthy can improve sleep quality. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, and stress management are key. Oh, and by the way, magnesium bisglycinate (like the one in 8hours) has been shown to support healthy testosterone levels, making it a double win.
  3. Wind Down With Tart Cherry Extract: The tart cherry extract in 8hours is packed with melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Taking this before bed can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper sleep. Plus, it’s a natural way to boost your melatonin levels without the side effects of synthetic supplements.
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Your new foundation for sleep & recovery

The Benefits of 8hours: Your Sleep's New Best Friend

Now that we’ve laid out the differences between men and women’s sleep needs, it’s time to talk about how you can optimize your sleep with a little help from science. Enter 8hours—a game-changing, all-natural sleep and recovery supplement designed to support your body’s natural sleep processes.

Magnesium Bisglycinate: This highly absorbable form of magnesium helps to relax your muscles and calm your nervous system, setting the stage for a peaceful night’s sleep.

L-Theanine and Apigenin: These two compounds work synergistically to reduce stress and anxiety, helping your mind wind down and prepare for rest.

Myo-Inositol: Known for its ability to improve sleep quality by balancing neurotransmitters and supporting healthy brain function.

Tart Cherry Extract: A natural source of melatonin, which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and ensures you get that deep, restorative sleep you’ve been dreaming of. Aside of that it will help you recover from your training and daily activities by improving blood oxygen levels in the muscles.

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THE TAKEAWAY

Sleep Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you’re a man or a woman, understanding your unique sleep needs is the first step toward optimizing your rest. By making small adjustments to your routine, lifestyle, and diet, you can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. And if you’re looking for an extra boost, 8hours has you covered with its all-natural blend of sleep-supporting ingredients.

Remember, sleep isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quality. So, aim for those 7-9 hours, keep your sleep environment cozy, and don’t forget to let science (and 8hours) give you a hand.

Until next time, sleep well and wake up ready to conquer the world!

Science Section

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