Do sex and gender affect sleep?

Written By Sean Desjardins

Yep!

Gender is a set of societal and cultural roles.

Here’s a few roles that affect sleep:

  • In some societies, women are the primary childcare providers. This can mean sleepless nights taking care of children. They might also be responsible for the cleaning and cooking in a household.

  • In some societies men are the primary financial earners in the family. this can mean longer work hours.

  • Men and Women can also have different beliefs around sleep.

Note: Gender is a social construct and can be redefined. Meaning women can also be the main financial earners in a household and dudes can help with childcare, cooking and cleaning!

Impacts of Sex on Sleep

Note: Sex and Gender are not the same

  • Fluctuations in estrogen levels are linked to hot flashes in perimenopausal women that can disrupt sleep

  • Transgender people may notice disruptances in sleep as they undergo hormone therapy

  • androgens (such as testosterone) may increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, while estrogens may reduce it

Sean Desjardins https://www.seandesjardins.ca
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