Study determines: This is the reason why women need more hours of sleep than men
A 2016 sleep laboratory study has confirmed that women require more sleep than men to function properly. Experts point to the concept of "mental load" as the primary factor behind this need.
A 2016 sleep laboratory study establishes a proven scientific finding: women need more average sleep time than men to function properly. Dr. Liraz Margalit, a researcher of behavior in the digital age, presented the study's data in an interview with the program "HaOlam HaBoker" ("The World This Morning") and explained the causes of the phenomenon.
While hormonal changes and the menstrual cycle provide part of the answer to fatigue, Dr. Margalit emphasized that the central factor for the phenomenon lies not only in the body, but in constant mental management: "In psychology, they call it 'mental load'."
The concept of "mental load" describes the constant management, planning, and concern for household and family tasks performed by women, which constitutes a cognitive burden that continues continuously and daily. According to her, even when an arrangement for equal distribution of housework is reached, the mental and cognitive burden of remembering small details, organization, and ongoing care remains primarily with women.
