Science
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Have you ever wondered why some women say they wake up just as tired as they went to bed—even after a full night’s rest? Science might have the answer, and it starts with the way the female brain works.
A More Active Brain—By Design
Multiple studies suggest that women’s brains are wired to be more active than men’s. In a landmark study by Amen Clinics, researchers analysed over 46,000 brain imaging scans. They found significantly more activity in many regions of the female brain, especially those involved in focus, impulse control, mood regulation, and anxiety.
Read the Amen Clinics study summary
This heightened activity may explain why women are generally better at multitasking, emotionally attuned, and more socially aware—but it also comes at a cost: the brain doesn’t get a break.
Sleep: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
When it comes to sleep, the science gets even more compelling. Dr. Jim Horne, a leading sleep researcher and author of Sleepfaring: A Journey Through the Science of Sleep, has found that women need more sleep than men—by about 20 minutes on average. Why? Because the female brain tends to be more complex and does more “multitasking” during the day, leading to a greater need for cognitive recovery.
Explore more on Dr. Horne’s findings via Duke Health
In his words:
“Women’s brains are wired differently, and are more complex, so their sleep need is slightly greater.”
Sleep Deprivation Hits Women Harder
The consequences of insufficient sleep are not gender neutral. Studies from the Sleep Research Society and Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine show that sleep-deprived women are more likely than men to suffer from high levels of psychological distress, depression, and anger.
Moreover, women often experience interrupted sleep due to caregiving responsibilities, hormonal changes, and even environmental factors—contributing to a sleep gap that’s often unacknowledged.
Hormones, Menopause, and the Restless Brain
Hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can significantly impact sleep quality. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 61% of women report that their sleep is disrupted during menstruation, and more than half of postmenopausal women struggle with insomnia or night sweats.
It’s not just about how much sleep women get, but how restorative that sleep is.
How Women Can Prioritise Brain Recovery
Understanding that the female brain may work harder isn’t just a fun fact—it’s a call to prioritise self-care. Here are some science-backed ways women can support better brain rest:
• Practice good sleep hygiene maintains a regular sleep schedule, minimise exposure to blue light, and establish a calming bedtime routine
• Naps are not indulgent—they’re recovery. Short naps (20–30 minutes) can boost memory and alertness
• Mindfulness and meditation help dial down the “mental load” many women carry throughout the day
Final Thoughts
Yes, science is saying it loud and clear: the female brain works harder, and it needs more rest. This isn’t about superiority—it’s about biology and better understanding how to support cognitive and emotional well-being.
So, if you’re a woman who feels mentally spent by bedtime, now you know—it’s not in your head. Your brain has been running a marathon all day. The least it deserves is a good night’s rest.
