Current research shows that female mice experience more sleep disturbance than their male counterparts. The difference is believed to be tied to stress hormones that respond to environmental changes. While the details are reported in a peer reviewed scientific journal, the overall takeaway is that biology can shape sleep resilience across sexes. The finding adds to a growing understanding of how sleep quality can differ between male and female animals and what this might mean for health and behavior.
Researchers used a noninvasive approach to map sleep in a group of 267 mice of a common strain. The animals lived in cages equipped with sensitive motion sensors that tracked movement and rest without disturbing them. On average, male mice slept about 670 minutes per day, roughly one hour longer than female mice. The longer duration in males occurred mainly during the non rapid eye movement phase, a portion of rest linked to physical recovery and energy restoration.
Nocturnal rodents tend to break sleep into short bouts, with brief awakenings interleaved throughout the daily cycle. The observations in this study matched that pattern, with female mice showing lighter sleep overall and more fragmented rest. Across a range of animal species, including fruit flies, rats, zebrafish and several birds, researchers have noted sex related differences in sleep architecture and duration.
Biology offers a plausible explanation for this pattern. From observations in mammals, females may be more attuned to shifting environments. A lead researcher noted that frequent awakenings could be tied to the biological needs of offspring care, a reset mechanism that keeps offspring protected in dynamic conditions.
Hormonal fluctuations and stress responses shape sleep quality, with lower estrogen and progesterone linked to lighter rest in mammals generally. Hormones and stress responses influence the depth and continuity of sleep, and hormonal variations can alter how solid sleep is for both sexes.
Earlier work has linked sleep disturbances to chronic kidney issues, highlighting broader health implications. This context helps frame the findings within a larger picture where rest supports overall health in animals and humans.