Sleeping disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea are rampant amongst most of the adult global population. A hectic, choc-o-block schedule complete with additional stress factors is not the only reason that has the ability to cause insomnia. Insomnia is widely recognized as the ‘disability’ to fall asleep. Insomnia is usually characterized by a complete or a partial ‘lack of sleep’ This abnormal sleeping condition can be acute/short-lived or chronic, meaning it can go on for a lifetime, if not treated properly. 

Insomnia has the ability to affect our physical as well as mental well-being. A good night’s sleep is of extreme importance as it helps boost the immune system of our body while conducting regular wear and tear. Our body is equipped in such a manner that it recuperates while we are sleeping. Thus, getting enough sleep is always stressed upon by physicians and researchers alike. 

As research suggests, there are two types of insomnia – primary and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia is not caused by any other factor and is not linked to any underlying or obvious health condition. Whereas, secondary insomnia is often linked to conditions like heartburn, stress, diabetes, medication, or even substance abuse. According to the Sleep Foundation – ‘a more recent 2005 NSF Sleep in America poll of all adults revealed that women are more likely than men to have difficulty falling and staying asleep and to experience more daytime sleepiness at least a few nights/days a week. Research has shown that too little sleep results in daytime sleepiness, increased accidents, problems concentrating, poor performance on the job and in school, and possibly, increased sickness and weight gain’ 

Web MD points to the direction of ‘Sleep in America poll released by the NSF in March 2007, if you’re a single working woman you probably spend the least amount of time in bed — sometimes fewer than six hours a night. And if you’re like many women in the survey, you probably also wake up feeling tired at least a few days of every week’ 

So why and how do women suffer from insomnia more than men? 

Women often experience severe hormonal changes that often lead to side effects like insomnia. These hormonal changes are unique to women, thereby increasing the risk of suffering from insomnia than men: 

• Menstrual Cycle 

Yes, that time of the month. How many times have you experienced sleepless nights clutching your stomach and enduring cramps? Many women ignore the sleeplessness caused by periods as run-off-the-mill and end up with serious insomnia issues leading to severe health issues. Women’s health suggests that ‘this is especially common in women who have the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)’ 

• Pregnancy 

Most women face insomnia during the third trimester due to intense leg cramps, frequent urination, and nausea. 

• Perimenopause and menopause 

Menopausal women experience hot flashes, night sweats that often lead to sleepless nights. Insomnia is often considered secondary during perimenopause as well as the beginning of early menopause. 

• Depression and Anxiety 

‘People with insomnia are 10 times more likely to have depression, and 17 times more likely to have anxiety. Researchers aren’t sure if mental health conditions lead to insomnia or if insomnia leads to mental health conditions. But not getting enough sleep may make mental health conditions worse’ states Women’s Health. 

So, do women need more sleep than men? 

The answer is a resounding YES. Research suggests that women need at least 20 more minutes of sleep than men. It is common knowledge that women tend to multitask more than men during the course of the day. Essentially, a person who indulges in elevated brain activity during the day requires more sleep at night. Insomnia can have lasting effects not just on the body of a woman, but also on her psyche. Restlessness, irritability, lack of focus, inability to make decisions, and so on stem from insomnia. 

Steps to improve sleeping habits

Early diagnosis of insomnia is one of the best ways to overcome this condition. Eating right, maintaining sound sleep hygiene and regular exercise are some of the basic habits that help achieve a good night’s sleep. 

• Cutting down on stimulating substances (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol)
• Maintaining a regulated sleep environment
• Keeping away from tech devices (phone, laptop) 
• Avoiding heavy, junk food-filled meals 
• Drinking warm water an hour before bedtime 

Using sleep improvement devices that not only regulate but monitor sleep.