Reasons Why Middle-Aged Women Need More Sleep Than Men

Middle-aged Women with Severe Insomnia Face Higher Risks of Stroke and More
Women Suffer More from Sleep Deprivation than Men
Hormonal Fluctuations from Menopause and Pregnancy Trigger Insomnia
Women Need More Sleep than Men

Women who experience less than five hours of sleep per day are at a higher risk of heart disease than men, highlighting the need for sufficient sleep.

On the 14th, Channel News Asia (CNA) cited a study published in the scientific journal Circulation in January, reporting that "middle-aged women (42-52 years old) with persistent severe insomnia symptoms showed a 75% increase in the risk of stroke and heart attack." Sleep affects coronary artery disease (heart attack), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), abnormal heart rhythms, and hypertension. In particular, short sleep and sleep deprivation also impact memory and learning, immune function, cognitive function, mood, emotional regulation, and growth.

Dr. Chan Wan Xian, a cardiologist at Gleneagles Hospital, told CNA, "The greater psychological distress caused by sleep deprivation is much stronger in women than in men." CNA reported that this is ultimately related to the increased risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death among women in Singapore. Dr. Chan warned, "Sleep deprivation activates the sympathetic nervous system, the body's fight-or-flight response. When this happens, cortisol (a stress hormone) levels in the bloodstream increase, causing inflammation in the body and raising the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke."

Dr. Chan explained that in women, fluctuations in hormone levels during menopause, pregnancy, and the perimenopausal period can cause insomnia. Hormonal changes during menopause can trigger hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms that disrupt deep sleep. Female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are involved in various processes that help regulate sleep and can affect women's sleep-wake cycles. Estrogen is necessary for transporting magnesium into body tissues. This mineral is important for synthesizing key sleep neurotransmitters (the body's chemical messengers) such as melatonin. After menopause, decreased estrogen levels can cause insomnia, making it harder to fall asleep. At the same time, other factors such as social stress, various social roles, life or role transitions, caregiving, and gender-related responsibilities can also affect sleep duration and explain women's sleep deprivation.

Dr. Chan said, "Data specifically describing women's sleep and sleep disorders are limited, but women may need more sleep than men," adding, "Without adequate sleep, women may be more vulnerable to negative health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.