| Our readers are invited to email us with their questions!
Q: Do women have more difficulty sleeping than men? (Danielle. S) Danielle, generally speaking, yes. Studies show that women are about 40 percent more likely to suffer from insomnia than men. There are a lot of reasons for this. Part of it is genetics. Some of it is related to hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. And another reason is that women have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Studies show that women are twice as likely as men to develop these mental health conditions, which are two of the major causes of insomnia --------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What’s the best way to share a bed? (Molly K.) Molly, when it comes to sleeping, there are pros and cons to having a bedmate. Given the common realities of snoring, rolling over, and hogging the blankets, tucking in alone will generally garner better results when one’s sleep quality is measured with objective criteria, such as the amount of slow-wave sleep, a non-REM stage that is key to memory consolidation. On the other hand, people may be satisfied with their shut-eye when they cuddle up next to a loving partner—it releases oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that reduces stress and promotes pair bonding, according to the National Sleep Foundation. To reap the benefits while minimizing the downsides, make sure your mattress is large enough for two, and if your partner’s movements are an issue, opt for memory foam; you’ll be less likely to feel every toss and turn. Also, try working on your partnership. Bad sleep is linked with poor relationship satisfaction and vice versa. It’s an equation that can be tackled from either side. | 
