Women in Spain sleep worse than men and take more medication than men to get through the night, according to the findings of the 40dB sleep survey conducted for EL PAÍS and Cadena SER. The survey, which provides a glimpse into the sleeping habits of the Spanish population, highlights some concerning trends and disparities.
One striking revelation from the survey is that 63.9% of those who report suffering from poor quality sleep are women, with almost half of them falling in the 45 to 64 age group. On the other hand, 52.4% of the population claims to sleep well most of the time, with a majority of 59.9% being men. The survey also found that 60% of those who sleep well are able to save, indicating a correlation between sleep quality and financial stability.
Women were found to be more likely than men to use sleep products such as relaxing infusions, anxiolytics, and antidepressants. Stress and worries were identified as the primary factors contributing to poor sleep, with 85% of women attributing their sleep troubles to these factors. Other factors such as changes in routine, poor environmental conditions, and the use of electronic devices before bed were also cited as reasons for poor sleep.
Experts point to various factors that may contribute to women’s poorer sleep quality, including the burden of caregiving, non-specific symptoms affecting women, and the emotional component of insomnia. Menopause was also highlighted as a significant factor affecting women’s sleep at a certain age.
The survey revealed a close relationship between sleep quality and overall life satisfaction, with those who reported good quality sleep also rating their lives more positively. Psychiatrists and psychologists emphasize the importance of adequate sleep for emotional well-being, with deep sleep playing a crucial role in stabilizing mood and processing traumatic experiences.
The survey also shed light on the sleeping habits of the Spanish population, with the average sleep duration on weekdays being 7.3 hours. A significant portion of the population goes to bed between 11 pm and 1 am, which experts suggest may be too late for optimal sleep quality.
In conclusion, the survey serves as an x-ray of Spanish society, highlighting the need for better infrastructure for caregiving and recognizing the unpaid work of many women. Addressing the factors that contribute to poor sleep quality among women is crucial for improving the overall well-being of the population.
The survey was conducted online with a sample size of 2,000 interviews, representing the general population of Spain over 18 years of age. The findings have a sampling error of +-2.2% for 95% confidence.
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