The Sleep Deprivation Gender Gap: Why Women Suffer More
Women are more likely to suffer from sleep issues than men, which can have detrimental effects on their health and cognitive function. Insufficient sleep has been linked to heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression, as well as learning deficiencies. Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, with the brain sorting and storing information during sleep. Women, particularly those experiencing hormonal changes like menstruation, pre-menopause, and menopause, need to prioritize the quantity and quality of their sleep. Sufficient sleep is associated with improved learning, problem-solving, behavior performance, and memory retention. It also helps the brain forget unimportant details and stay focused. To improve sleep and learning, experts recommend sticking to a regular sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, avoiding screens before bed, and getting enough sleep before exams or study sessions.