Gaby
A survey of 2,000 Britons revealed that 63% of couples experience tension in their relationships because of differences in how long they sleep. The study found that women spend about an hour more in bed than men. That extra hour appears to benefit women.
Differences in Sleep Duration by Gender
On average, women sleep about 8 hours, while men get about 7. This discrepancy can lead to arguments in relationships: 6 out of 10 surveyed couples said the sleep imbalance contributed to tension. The results showed that a significant number of respondents slept separately to catch a few extra Zs, with one in ten opting for separate bedrooms.
A survey on sleep habits indicates that 60% of women typically go to bed earlier than their partners. Meanwhile, 66% of men wake up earlier because they require less sleep.
The National Health Service recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night, although it warns that many people may struggle with insomnia. Respondents said the biggest obstacle to their sleep is heat, with 64% of men and 62% of women naming it. Light, stress, noise, snoring, bathroom visits, and pets were other factors that frequently disrupted sleep.
How to Maintain Good Sleep as a Couple?
The survey suggests sex can help couples who have trouble falling asleep: 76% of women and 82% of men said they slept better after intimacy.
It’s clear how crucial good sleep is for overall well-being. The survey shows people are sleeping less, especially during the hot summer months, and many couples keep different sleep schedules.
Researchers say sleep imbalance can lead to significant problems in relationships, because intimacy often suffers when partners sleep separately. Experts suggest women need more sleep than men because they juggle multiple tasks and tend to engage their brains more. Professor Jim Horne says this explains why women have a higher need for sleep.
