You and your partner zzz out the minutes your heads hit the pillow – but that’s where your sleep similarities end. In fact, based on biology researches, men and women have differences in the way they get their sleep!
It’s all about circadian rhythm
Circadian rhythm is controlled by an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. Other factors that influence this rhythm are:
- Light – sends a message to the brain that it’s time to wake up
- Darkness – sends a message to the brain that it’s time to sleep (that’s why sleep in dark is better, so turn off your gadget and lamps)
- Regular sleep patterns
It turns out that men and women’s rhythms don’t exactly match up!
Before going to sleep
Men’s clocks are about a full 24-hour cycle or more, which means that they may feel less tired in the evening. They have more trouble falling asleep early – that explains why a lot of men can watch a soccer match or play games until late at night!
On the other hand, women’s internal clock is more likely to be shorter than 24 hours, making them feel more tired in the evening and go to sleep earlier.
Who dream more?
The answer is… Men!
Dreaming typically happens during the deepest phase of sleep known as REM. Your ability to fall and stay asleep depends on a bedtime drop in body temperature, and higher levels of progesterone during the second part of the menstrual cycle cause women’s body temperature to rise particularly at night.
That means women who regularly ovulate are likely to have more trouble sleeping and rack up fewer hours of REM during the weeks leading up to their periods.
Waking up in the morning
While women tend to go to sleep earlier, they also awake earlier! Women are more likely to wake up before the alarm goes off in the morning. In short, women are naturally more alert earlier in the day.
Men are just better at sleeping in – their bodies just make up for late nights by sending the signal to sleep late into the morning.
This is why some women can finish their makeup, cooking breakfast for the entire family, cleaning up the house while their men are still on the bed hugging a bolster.
Mimpi offers the best luxury affordable Queen and King mattress for couples
If you and your significant other are looking for the most comfortable sleep, a queen mattress might just be the ideal couples’ mattress. For those who want more space to add more love, a king mattress is ideal for sleeping with a child or a pet.
All of these sizes always available in Mimpi’s mattresses! Our sleep experts are happy to help you if you feel unsure about choosing which mattress is the best for you and your partner.
References
Boivin, D. B., Shechter, A., Boudreau, P., Begum, E. A., & Ying-Kin, N. M. K. N. (2016). Diurnal and circadian variation of sleep and alertness in men vs. naturally cycling women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(39), 10980-10985.
Mallampalli, M. P., & Carter, C. L. (2014). Exploring sex and gender differences in sleep health: a Society for Women’s Health Research Report. Journal of women’s health (2002), 23(7), 553–562. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2014.4816
