Men vs. Women: How Insomnia Affects Genders Differently

Insomnia is considered a global concern in modern times, where both men and women across the world face temporary to chronic sleeplessness issues due to physical, mental, and socio-economic reasons. Also, according to several studies, it has been found that women are more affected by insomnia than men. NCBI has found that women suffer more from insomnia (61.23%) than men (52.68%). The report of NCBI also indicates that women who have reported insomnia are younger on average than men who have reported insomnia.

So, if you are curious to learn more about how differently insomnia affects men vs. women, keep on reading! In this blog, we will explore what insomnia is, how it affects men and women differently, and ways to manage it.

What is insomnia?

Every person needs at least 7-8 hours of sleep for a healthy body and mind. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that disturbs the healthy sleep cycle. People with insomnia find difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep at night. Also, one may wake up early and feel tired in the morning if they have insomnia. People can either suffer from chronic insomnia or short-term insomnia. The symptoms of insomnia can be managed with lifestyle, dietary changes and medicine.

Why does insomnia affect women?

The causes of insomnia in women can be hormonal or certain physical and mental health conditions that are typical in women. Here, we will discuss the reasons for insomnia in women:

• Premenstrual syndrome- Premenstrual syndrome or PMS can cause sleep deprivation in women as the progesterone levels decrease during this time.
• Pregnancy- During the third trimester of pregnancy, women can feel certain physical discomforts as the progesterone and estrogen levels dip, affecting healthy sleep.
• Postpartum- Postpartum depression can contribute to insomnia in women after childbirth. Also, the round-the-clock work of childcare can affect the sleep of new parents.
• Perimenopause or menopause- Perimenopause or menopause causes hormonal changes, resulting in hot flashes and night sweats that can keep one awake at night.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome- PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome lowers progesterone levels and increases testosterone levels. Such hormonal imbalances can cause sleeping problems in women.
• Fibromyalgia- Fibromyalgia (muscle aches all over the body) affects women more compared to men, causing insomnia.
• Urinary incontinence- Women more than men suffer from urinary incontinence caused by menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Waking up multiple times at night for urination can cause insomnia.
• Anxiety and depression- Research shows that anxiety and depression are more common in women than men. These mental conditions can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Why does insomnia affect men?

There are some common causes of insomnia in men and women. However, some causes can be unique to men. Here are some causes of insomnia in men:

• Night sweats- Low testosterone levels in men can cause night sweats in men which makes them wake up feeling sweaty and chilled at night. Night sweats can be a reason for insomnia in men.
• Sleep apnea- Both men and women can suffer from sleep apnea. However, it is more common in men than women. This condition interrupts breathing during sleep affecting the quality of sleep.
• Depression and anxiety- Stress, anxiety and depression are also very common in men and can lead to sleeplessness and insomnia.
• Adrenal fatigue- Excessive stress for a longer period can cause the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol, making them worn out. Adrenal fatigue can be the reason for insomnia in men.
• Growth hormone- Reduced production of growth hormone in men can also contribute to poor sleep at night or insomnia.
• Melatonin deficiency- Melatonin is responsible for healthy sleep. However, men can become melatonin deficient because of exposure to artificial lights, resulting in the disruption of the circadian rhythm.
• Lower serotonin levels- Serotonin regulates the sleep cycle. Men require testosterone for the production of serotonin. Lower levels of serotonin result in a poor sleep cycle.

How do insomnia affect men and women differently?

Research shows that the reason for insomnia can be different in men and women. Some studies also state that more women suffer from insomnia compared to men. Hormonal factors and other health conditions are major reasons why insomnia affects both cisgender men and women differently. Factors such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are unique to women that cause insomnia and other sleep problems. While lower Serotonin and cortisol levels, and conditions such as sleep apnea can be major factors, contributing to insomnia in men.

Ways to treat insomnia

There are different ways to manage the symptoms of insomnia. Here, we will discuss some major ways to treat the condition:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes are the first and the most important step to deal with the symptoms of insomnia:

• Staying hydrated- Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water can help in healthy sleep cycles.
• Eating healthy- Reducing the consumption of junk foods and eating healthy can also help in better sleep at night.
• Reducing caffeine intake- Reducing caffeine intake, especially during the later hours of the day is necessary to ensure better sleep quality.
• Reducing screen time- Reduction of screen time at night curbs the exposure to artificial lights, improving sleep.
• Managing weight- Excessive weight can cause diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues that can affect sleep. Maintaining a healthy weight can improve one’s sleep quality.
• Following sleep routine- Going to bed at a certain time every day and maintaining a sleep routine is also helpful for better sleep hygiene.

Medicines

When people suffer from insomnia and lifestyle changes do not offer any effective solution, sleep medicines can be their last resort. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before taking sleep aids. Here are some sleep medicines prescribed for insomnia:

• Zopiclone- Zopiclone affects the GABA receptors to improve sleep quality and manage the symptoms of insomnia.
• Zolpidem- Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine drug that is often prescribed for the treatment of short-term insomnia.
• Eszopiclone- Eszopiclone belongs to a class of drugs known as CNS depressants or central nervous system depressants, helping with sleep problems related to insomnia.
• Melatonin- Melatonin pills replicate the functions of melatonin in our body. This supplement regulates sleep and improves the sleep cycle.

Natural remedies

Sometimes, doctors also suggest natural remedies to enhance the effectiveness of sleep aid medicines and improve the overall sleep quality of a person suffering from insomnia:

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is a widely used natural remedy to improve sleep quality.

Lavender aroma therapy

Lavender is a herb known for creating a calming effect. Lavender aroma therapy at night can also be helpful for better sleep.

Conclusion

Insomnia refers to the condition of sleeplessness which can be temporary and goes away after a certain time or chronic usually resulting from chronic mental and physical health conditions. However, studies have shown that insomnia affects genders differently. Women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than men on average. Also, women who reported insomnia are younger than men who reported insomnia. Even though chronic sleeplessness or insomnia is not curable unless the underlying cause is treated successfully. Also, there are several ways one can manage insomnia symptoms such as using over-the-counter medicines such as Lunesta, zopiclone, zolpediam, melatonin etc., or adapting to lifestyle changes, maintaining sleeping hygiene, incorporating natural remedies and more.