How Sleep Works, And Why It’s Different for Men and Women? (UK Perspective)

Sleep is one of the most important parts of daily life, and yet, how we sleep isn’t the same for everyone.
Research shows that biological, hormonal and lifestyle factors can shape how men and women experience sleep, even when both aim for the same recommended hours each night. 

Understanding these differences is not just interesting, it helps us build better bedtime and morning routines, which is exactly what DI’AURA’s blends are designed to support.

Do Men and Women Sleep Differently?

According to sleep research, there are several subtle but meaningful differences between men’s and women’s sleep patterns:

1. Sleep duration
Studies show women tend to sleep slightly more than men, on average around 11 minutes longer per night. 

2. Sleep latency
Men generally fall asleep a bit more quickly, while women may take longer to drift off. 

3. Deep sleep and REM
Women often spend more time in deep sleep! a restorative stage, and may also experience variations in REM sleep across their life span. 

These differences don’t mean one sex sleeps “better” than the other, just that the pattern and experience of sleep can vary.

Biological Rhythms and Circadian Timing

Your circadian rhythm - the internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and wake , also works slightly differently in men and women.

Research has found that women may:

1. Feel the urge to sleep earlier than men

2. end to have more robust melatonin signals, the hormone that helps trigger sleepiness
Men, by contrast, may be more likely to lean towards “night owl” tendencies. 

These variations can mean that evening routines and morning rituals benefit from personalisation, supporting wind-down sooner or boosting alertness when needed.

Hormones and Life Stages Matter

Hormones play a significant role in sleep, particularly for women:

a. Monthly cycles can affect the timing and quality of sleep

b. Pregnancy and post-partum periods come with disrupted sleep patterns

c. Menopause brings changes in sleep latency and depth

Such hormonal fluctuations can make sleep more unpredictable at certain life stages, especially for women. 

Sleep Quality vs. Sleep Quantity

Although average durations may be similar, sleep quality can vary. Women are statistically more likely to experience difficulties like insomnia and fragmented sleep across the lifespan. 

This doesn’t mean every woman will struggle with sleep, but it highlights why personalised evening rituals! ones that help calm the mind, ease tension and support smoother transitions into rest, can be especially valuable.

Why Understanding These Differences Matters

Recognising how sleep differs across sexes helps us make better choices about our routines:

1. A gentle evening blend that supports winding down may feel particularly welcome for someone who takes longer to fall asleep

2. A consistent morning ritual may help balance a slower start or aid motivation after disrupted nights

3. Simple lifestyle shifts before bed, such as reducing screen time or creating a calming ritual, can benefit anyone regardless of gender

By acknowledging the why behind sleep experiences, we can choose routines that support not just rest, but overall wellbeing.

Sleep, Rituals and Wellbeing: The DI’AURA Approach

At DI’AURA, we believe in supporting your natural rhythms without pressure or quick-fix claims. Our Cypress C blends are crafted to help your evenings and mornings feel more intentional, not forced.

Whether you:

1. Struggle to switch off after long days

2. Find mornings slow or foggy

3. Want a gentle, plant-based ritual to support restful nights and energised days

Understanding how your body’s sleep needs may differ, and how it responds to daily rhythms - makes those small rituals feel even more meaningful.

Sleep Tips Everyone Can Try

While individual needs vary, some universal habits can support better sleep:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and waking schedule
• Create a soothing evening routine (try a warm, calming herb blend)
• Reduce screen exposure before bed
• Pay attention to light exposure, especially in winter
• Reflect on stress or tension before rest and take small steps to release it

Sleep isn’t just about quantity, it’s about the subjective experience of rest, recovery, and being refreshed.

Final Thought

Sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, multifaceted and influenced by biology, lifestyle and life stages. By understanding the differences and approaching rest with intention and care, whether through routines, self-awareness or supportive rituals! you empower yourself or a loved one to make sleep feel more nurturing, consistent and restorative.

 

Source : The Sleep Foundation