Women are different from men. Although women may prefer to be treated the same as men in the workplace, when it comes to sleeping, there are differences. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), women are more likely than men to have difficulty falling and staying asleep and to experience more daytime sleepiness on a weekly basis. Research has shown that too little sleep results in problems concentrating, poor performance on the job and in school, and, possibly, increased sickness and weight gain.

Biological conditions unique to women, like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, can affect how well they sleep. This is because the changing levels of hormones that a woman experiences throughout the month and over her lifetime, like estrogen and progesterone, have an impact on sleep. Understanding the effects of these hormones, environmental factors and lifestyle habits can help women enjoy a good night's sleep.

Menstruation can lead to real sleep problems for women. According to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, half of all menstruating women surveyed reported bloating that disturbs their sleep. On average, these women reported disrupted sleep for two to three days each menstrual cycle. These changes can be linked to the rise and fall of hormone levels in the body.

Pregnancy brings on another sleep challenge. Physical symptoms (body aches, nausea, leg cramps, movements of the baby and heartburn), as well as emotional changes (depression, anxiety, worry), can interfere with sleep. In the NSF poll, 78 percent of women reported experiencing more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at other times.

Although menopausal symptoms vary from woman to woman, menopause is a time of major hormonal, physical and psychological change. From the transition into menopause to one year after a woman's period has stopped, women report significant sleep problems. Most notably, these sleep problems are related to hot flashes, mood disorders, insomnia and breathing problems during sleep. Sleep problems can often be accompanied by depression and anxiety as well.

Many sleep problems can be improved by changing your sleep habits, reducing stress, improving your diet and following an exercise routine. If you are experiencing sleep problems or excessive daytime sleepiness, you should speak with your doctor immediately. Your doctor will determine the cause of your sleep problem and may refer you to a sleep disorders center for further evaluation. These centers are staffed with sleep specialists who will ask you questions about your sleep problems and may monitor your sleep overnight.