Research has shown that women generally report more sleep disturbances than men. Various factors contribute to this disparity, including hormonal fluctuations, psychological stress, and sleep disorders.

Hormonal changes play a significant role in women’s sleep patterns throughout their lives. The menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can all affect sleep quality. For instance, during the premenstrual period, many women experience insomnia or disturbed sleep due to the drop in progesterone levels. Pregnancy brings with it a host of sleep-related issues such as increased urination frequency, back pain, and fetal movements that can interrupt sleep. Menopause is another period where women commonly report sleep problems as they experience hot flashes and night sweats due to fluctuating estrogen levels.

Psychological factors also contribute to poorer sleep among women. Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression and anxiety, which are both associated with sleep problems such as insomnia. Stressful life events and the stress associated with balancing work and family responsibilities may also impact a woman’s ability to get restful sleep.

Sleep disorders such as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and insomnia affect more women than men. RLS causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs at night, which can disturb sleep. Insomnia is more prevalent in women, with symptoms often starting during puberty and increasing with age.

Moreover, social and cultural expectations may also assign women with more caregooding tasks requiring attentiveness to the needs of others during the night – like caring for infants or sick family members – thereby increasing nighttime disturbances.

Overall, while both biological and psychosocial factors contribute to why women tend to have worse sleep than men, personal habits and environmental factors can be modified to improve sleep quality for both sexes. Addressing underlying medical conditions, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, maintaining regular exercise routines, and practicing good sleep hygiene are all ways individuals can seek better sleep health.