Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders worldwide, but studies show that women are disproportionately affected. Research indicates that women are up to 40 percent more likely to experience insomnia compared to men, and this difference is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Understanding why women face this higher risk provides important insight into how sleep health can be better managed across genders.
Hormonal changes play a significant role in women’s higher rates of insomnia. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause directly affect sleep quality. According to the Journal of Women’s Health, women often report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and experiencing more frequent nighttime awakenings during these times of hormonal transition. In particular, hot flashes and night sweats during menopause are strongly linked to disrupted sleep.
Mental health is another factor. Women are nearly twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression, both of which are highly correlated with insomnia. A study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews highlights that insomnia not only co-occurs with these conditions but can also worsen them, creating a cycle of poor mental health and disrupted sleep. Stress from balancing work, caregiving, and family responsibilities also contributes to higher rates of sleep difficulties among women.
Medical and lifestyle differences may also explain this disparity. Women are more likely to experience chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and migraines, which can make sleep difficult. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has also noted that women are more likely than men to develop restless legs syndrome, a neurological condition that disrupts nighttime rest. Combined with a greater likelihood of reporting nighttime awakenings, these conditions increase the prevalence of insomnia in women.
Social expectations and caregiving responsibilities further amplify the problem. Women, especially mothers, are more likely to have disrupted sleep due to caregiving for children or aging parents. According to the National Sleep Foundation, mothers of young children report some of the highest rates of poor sleep quality, with many continuing to experience chronic insomnia years later.
The consequences of insomnia are significant. Lack of restorative sleep has been linked to impaired cognitive performance, weakened immunity, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of depression. Because women experience insomnia at such high rates, this raises concerns about long-term health impacts. Addressing insomnia in women may require more personalized approaches that take into account hormonal health, stress management, and chronic medical conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing sleep difficulties, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment options.
References:
-
Krishnan, V., & Collop, N. A. (2006). Gender differences in sleep disorders. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, 12(6), 383–389.
-
National Sleep Foundation. (2014). Women and sleep. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org
-
Mong, J. A., & Cusmano, D. M. (2016). Sex differences in sleep: Impact of biological sex and sex steroids. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 371(1688), 20150110.
-
Mallampalli, M. P., & Carter, C. L. (2014). Exploring sex and gender differences in sleep health: A Society for Women’s Health Research report. Journal of Women’s Health, 23(7), 553–562.
-
Baglioni, C., et al. (2011). Insomnia as a predictor of depression: A meta-analytic evaluation of longitudinal epidemiological studies. Journal of Affective Disorders, 135(1–3), 10–19.