Mumbai Doctor Says Women Need More Sleep Than Men — and Science Supports It

Have you ever wondered why women often feel the need to sleep a little longer than men? According to a Mumbai-based doctor, it’s not laziness — it’s biology. Dr. Manan Vora, an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, explained that women’s bodies naturally need more rest because of hormonal changes.

In a video shared on Instagram, Dr. Vora said that women generally require about 20 minutes more sleep each day than men. This difference is linked to the body’s internal cycles, especially hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These phases, he said, affect how women fall asleep and stay asleep.

Dr. Vora added, “It’s 7 am, I’m making breakfast for my wife — she’s still sleeping. Did you know women need more sleep than men? On average, they need about 20 minutes more every day. Why? Because of hormones. Periods, pregnancy, and menopause mess with their sleep. It’s not laziness. It’s how the body works.”

Hormonal changes in women’s bodies can disturb sleep patterns by making it harder to fall asleep or by causing them to wake up several times during the night. As a result, even if a woman gets the usual eight hours of sleep, her body might still feel tired or unrefreshed. The doctor explained that this is because the quality of sleep is affected, not just the quantity.

Experts agree that sleep is one of the most important parts of good health. It helps the body repair itself, supports the immune system, and improves mental focus. For women, who often balance work, family, and personal responsibilities, poor sleep can lead to fatigue, stress, and even hormonal imbalances.

According to Dr. Vora, society often misunderstands this need. Many women feel guilty about wanting more rest, thinking it makes them seem lazy or unproductive. But science clearly shows that women’s sleep needs are different and should be respected. “That extra sleep is not a luxury,” he said. “It’s a biological need.”

Sleep specialists have also shared ways to know if you’re getting enough rest. Dr. Michelle Drerup from the Cleveland Clinic says that it’s not just about counting the hours of sleep — it’s about how you feel during the day. She explained that a good way to judge your sleep quality is to check your energy levels in the late morning.

She said, “The best time to judge whether you got enough sleep isn’t right after waking up. Instead, assess how you feel later in the morning. Can you focus? Do you feel energetic? That’s the sign of proper rest.”

Dr. Drerup also suggested that feeling sleepy right after lunch or having trouble concentrating could be signs of sleep deficiency. If this happens often, it’s a reminder to improve sleep habits — going to bed earlier, limiting screen time before bed, and keeping a calm sleep environment.

Research over the years has shown that women are more likely than men to experience sleep problems due to hormonal shifts. For example, during menstrual cycles, many women experience discomfort, cramps, or mood swings that disturb sleep. Pregnancy often brings physical discomfort and frequent urination, which can break sleep patterns. Menopause adds another layer of difficulty, with hot flashes and night sweats making restful sleep harder to achieve.

Because of these changes, health experts encourage women to listen to their bodies and make rest a priority. Good sleep helps regulate hormones, improve mood, and keep the heart and brain healthy.

In simple words, the message from Dr. Vora and other experts is clear — women aren’t lazy if they sleep a little more. Their bodies just need more time to recover and balance. “Getting enough sleep is not a sign of weakness,” Dr. Vora explained. “It’s a way of caring for your health.”