Sleep Loss Affects Women More Than Men
| Updated: Mar 5, 2020, 10:55 IST
As much as you and I would want to believe otherwise, this is unfortunately true. You must be wondering: Why are sleep-deprived women more affected? Hormones are the likely culprits, but it isn't clear how they work to protect men or leave women more vulnerable.
Recent studies indicate that during times of hormonal change (such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause) women are at an increased risk for sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome and insomnia.
Women also tend to report that they have more trouble sleeping before and during their menstrual periods.
Here are some ways in which women get more affected by sleep deprivation than men.
Weight gain
An increase in appetite is linked to sleep deprivation, which can lead to weight gain in women and men. Research shows that sleep-deprived women are more likely than sleep-deprived men to be overweight.
Hypertension
Compared to men, women who are restless throughout the night are more likely to have higher C-reactive protein levels, an inflammation marker associated with high blood pressure.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep deprived women and men both have a higher type 2 diabetes risk, with sleep-deprived women being more susceptible to enhanced levels of insulin and black sugar.
Depression
Impaired thinking and memory, along with depression, anger, and hostility, is more prevalent in women than men.
Women, fear not! It’s never too late to change your sleeping habits. While some things cannot be helped, exercise, dietary changes and sleeping patterns can be adjusted to help keep good health. To know more about the importance of sleep and if you happen to be sleep deprived, visit www.takebacksleep.org today to take the sleep quiz and pledge to #TakeBackSleep.
Recent studies indicate that during times of hormonal change (such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause) women are at an increased risk for sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome and insomnia.
Women also tend to report that they have more trouble sleeping before and during their menstrual periods.
Here are some ways in which women get more affected by sleep deprivation than men.
Weight gain
An increase in appetite is linked to sleep deprivation, which can lead to weight gain in women and men. Research shows that sleep-deprived women are more likely than sleep-deprived men to be overweight.
Hypertension
Compared to men, women who are restless throughout the night are more likely to have higher C-reactive protein levels, an inflammation marker associated with high blood pressure.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep deprived women and men both have a higher type 2 diabetes risk, with sleep-deprived women being more susceptible to enhanced levels of insulin and black sugar.
Depression
Impaired thinking and memory, along with depression, anger, and hostility, is more prevalent in women than men.
Women, fear not! It’s never too late to change your sleeping habits. While some things cannot be helped, exercise, dietary changes and sleeping patterns can be adjusted to help keep good health. To know more about the importance of sleep and if you happen to be sleep deprived, visit www.takebacksleep.org today to take the sleep quiz and pledge to #TakeBackSleep.