Women are more likely to experience insomnia.
A growing number of women across the UK are struggling with disrupted sleep, with experts pointing to hormonal changes as a key reason behind frequent night-time wake-ups.
New findings reveal that 58% of Brits often wake during the night without any obvious disturbance, highlighting a widespread issue affecting overall well-being.
However, the problem appears more pronounced among women, with 64% reporting regular sleep interruptions compared to 51% of men.
These disruptions are not only frustrating but can prevent individuals from reaching the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
As a result, one in five people in the UK is currently not getting enough rest, raising concerns about long-term health impacts.
Mike Wakeman, a pharmacist and researcher behind Evera Nutrition, emphasised that sleep is one of the most essential pillars of overall wellness.
He explained that while brief wake-ups can be normal, extended periods of wakefulness may signal deeper health or lifestyle issues.
Wakeman noted that research consistently shows women are more likely to experience insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns than men.
He attributed this largely to hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman’s life, influencing several biological processes linked to sleep.
Oestrogen and progesterone play a significant role in regulating sleep depth, body temperature, breathing patterns and serotonin levels.
These hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and decline more sharply with age, contributing to irregular sleep patterns in women.
In contrast, testosterone levels in men decrease gradually, which typically results in fewer sudden disruptions to sleep cycles.
Hormonal changes affect women at every stage of life, from monthly cycles to major transitions such as perimenopause.
Perimenopause, which typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55, is particularly linked to increased nighttime awakenings.
Dr Nisa Aslam, a GP and adviser to Evera Nutrition, highlighted how these hormonal shifts directly impact sleep quality.
She explained that declining oestrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause can interfere with temperature regulation and REM sleep.
This can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, which often disrupt sleep continuity.
Dr Aslam also noted that younger women, particularly those aged 30 to 39, may experience sleep issues linked to their menstrual cycle.
A drop in progesterone before menstruation can result in lighter, more fragmented sleep patterns.
Similarly, reduced oestrogen levels can alter sleep depth, making it harder to achieve restorative rest.
Experts also point to the role of key brain chemicals and nutrients in maintaining healthy sleep cycles.
GABA, the brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter, helps promote relaxation and supports the ability to stay asleep through the night.
Meanwhile, nutrients such as Vitamin D, magnesium, tart cherry and saffron contribute to the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
Deficiencies in essential nutrients, including magnesium, folic acid and Vitamin D, have been linked to poorer sleep quality.
Low levels of these nutrients are also associated with conditions such as restless legs syndrome, which can further interrupt sleep.
Health experts stress that addressing both hormonal balance and nutritional intake may be key to improving sleep quality among women.
With disrupted sleep becoming increasingly common, understanding its underlying causes is an important step towards achieving better long-term health and well-being.
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