Doctor: 'Women Need More Sleep Than Men, But Unpaid Care Work Keeps Them Awake'

As a doctor specializing in women's health, I've observed a pervasive issue that deserves more attention: the 'Gender Sleep Gap.' While we readily discuss pay disparities and medical misdiagnoses, the unequal burden of sleep, particularly for women, remains surprisingly overlooked. My research and clinical experience show that women often wake up feeling exhausted, not necessarily due to physical exhaustion, but because their minds are still racing. The constant mental load associated with to-do lists, childcare, elder care, and household management—essentially, unpaid care work—prevents many women from achieving restful sleep. This isn't a matter of individual failing; it's a structural imbalance rooted in societal expectations. In my new book, 'Frauen und Schlaf' (Women and Sleep), I delve into why women are disproportionately affected by insomnia and explore practical strategies for achieving restorative sleep. It's time we acknowledge that sleep is not merely a private matter but a critical area where gender inequality manifests, impacting women's well-being and health.

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Mental load is often the biggest sleep robber in a woman's life, the constant thoughts about to-do lists and caregiving keep many awake longer.