By SheLit Desk | July 20, 2025
A growing body of scientific research suggests that women may require more sleep than men, sparking renewed conversations around gender, wellness, and modern lifestyle pressures. But the findings also go beyond biology, diving deep into the social expectations, multitasking roles, and hidden burdens many women carry daily.
The Science Behind It
Sleep experts have long noted that women tend to have more complex brain activity than men, especially during multitasking. This increased mental load, managing jobs, caregiving, household chores, emotional labor, and more, may mean that their brains need more time to reset and repair overnight.
A recent study published by the UK’s Sleep Research Centre found that women need around 20–30 minutes more sleep than men on average, primarily because their brains are more engaged throughout the day.
“The more of your brain you use during the day, the more of it needs to recover — and the more sleep you need,” says Dr. Jim Horne, former director of the Sleep Research Centre.
The Gender Gap in Fatigue
Beyond the physical need for sleep, the emotional and social toll on women adds complexity. Many women report poorer sleep quality than men, interrupted by children, stress, caregiving responsibilities, or anxiety.
In dual-income households, studies show women still carry the larger share of domestic work. This “second shift” can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which affects not just energy levels but also mental health, memory, and decision-making.
A Vicious Cycle: Expectations & Exhaustion
Modern women are expected to “do it all”, succeed at work, raise children, care for elders, stay fit, maintain relationships, and look perfect while doing it. The result? Sleep often takes a backseat.
This cycle is further fueled by societal judgment: A man resting is “relaxing,” while a woman resting is “lazy” or “neglecting duties.”
“Sleep isn’t just a health issue; it’s a feminist issue,” says Kavita Mehra, a health rights advocate. “When women are not allowed to rest, we’re silently upholding a system that thrives on their exhaustion.”
What Needs to Change?
- Normalize women’s need for rest. It’s not weakness, it’s science.
- Create support systems at home and work that recognize invisible labor.
- Design wellness programs with gender-sensitive sleep health in mind.
- Encourage sleep equity in parenting and caregiving roles.
At SheLit, we believe rest is resistance, and reclaiming sleep is reclaiming power. It’s time to challenge the narrative that glorifies burnout and instead champion a culture where women’s well-being comes first.
Because yes, women might biologically need more sleepbut, what they truly deserve is the freedom to take it without guilt.